Local varsity to focus on rural development

Ngoma- UNATEK, one of the institutions of higher learning in the Eastern Province, is bracing itself to be at the forefront of promoting appropriate technologies to support rural development. Prof Laurent Nkusi, the Deputy Rector of UNATEK, revealed that the institute will soon promote appropriate technologies through the faculties of education and rural development as way of generating self-employment opportunities for the youth. The don made the remarks, yesterday, while addressing a visiting provincial delegation led by Eastern Province Governor, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira. He said that the university intends to use its proximity to rural farmers, to offer them requisite skills for sustainable agriculture development. Nkusi added that the university was set to increase and improve its infrastructure to accommodate more students and equipment. “We want to open more opportunities by increasing the number of faculties.” Damascene Mutagarama, a student representative, said that since it was established, the university had already had an impact among the surrounding communities.He said that most of the graduates from the campus are employed in Ngoma and other neighboring districts. “The university has improved the general level of skilled manpower in the province. Most of the workers we have in Ngoma District passed through UNATEK,” he said. Kirabo reiterated the importance institutions of higher learning in rural development, and acknowledged the achievements of the university. “This is a young university, but through the infrastructure and library facilities, you have demonstrated your hard work …it is encouraging,” she said.UNATEK, the first university in Eastern Province, opened its doors in 2003. Ends

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Local varsity to focus on rural development