In an effort to salvage the academic year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Victoria University has switched to online learning as the country is currently still in total lockdown with education institutions not able to operate for a foreseeable future.
The kick-off was graced by the Senior Presidential Advisor on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Hon Ham Mulira who commended Victoria University for putting in place early measures to help students continue with their classes uninterrupted during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Hon Mulira while addressing the media at Victoria University in Kampala said, such early initiatives like giving each new student a laptop will provide them with ability to study away from the university during this lockdown period caused by corona virus.
He added that government through the National Council for Higher Education has come up with online/ distance learning guidelines for Higher learning education institutions on how to use technology as a medium of communication to impart knowledge to students while they are away from school.
Dr. Krishna Sharma the Vice Chancellor Victoria University noted that it is the responsibility of universities and education institutions to foresee and come up with innovative ways to ensure they are not interrupted by any pandemic.
Mr. Sharma added that Victoria University lecturers had spent the past weeks adapting the academic programme to go online mainly via the university’s learning management systems.
“We are acutely aware of the anxiety and uncertainty that online teaching and learning presents for both our colleagues and students. The world as we know it is in flux and it will take our collective courage, dexterity and commitment to fend off the effects of this pandemic and to adapt to new ways of teaching and learning,” he said.
Dr. Krishna also noted that it is the responsibility of universities and education institutions to foresee and come up with innovative ways to ensure they are not interrupted by any pandemic.
According to Dr Krishna, the university is ready to commence online teaching adding that all the issues raised in the guidelines by NCHE have already been in place at Victoria University.
He said the online classes will be conducted at free cost while those who will not be able will be provided with printed contents for self study.
Victoria University, is one of the best universities in Uganda, and stands out as a centre of academic excellence.
The university is centrally located in the heart of Kampala City and on the main public transportation routes coupled with ample parking space.
Victoria University is part of Ruparelia Group of Companies, which has a strong presence in the education sector in Uganda and has under its portfolio, Kampala International School Uganda, Kampala Parents School and Delhi Public School International.
Victoria University is a cosmopolitan university with a wide range of nationalities. With a reputation as the best private, forward thinking and modern university in East Africa, Victoria University offers a vibrant and stimulating environment to further your studies.