By Prisca Adaeze Nenger

The Vice Chancellor, Kampala International University (KIU), Dr. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo attends the 13^th Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) General Conference, which took place on 11^th – 12^th October, 2018 in Rabat, Morocco.

Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) was founded by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in May 1979. With 54 member states, ISESCO is one of the largest international Islamic organizations and specializes in the fields of education, science and culture. Its headquarters are in Rabat, Morocco.

ISESCO’s objectives are “to strengthen and promote cooperation among the Member States in the fields of education, science culture and communication; consolidate understanding among peoples inside and outside Member State; contribute to world peace and security through various means; publicize the true image of Islam and Islamic culture; promote dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions; encourage cultural interaction and foster cultural diversity in the Member States, while preserving cultural identity and intellectual integrity.”

ISESCO General Conference is composed of ministers in charge of education, science, culture and communication or their representatives, appointed by their countries. The Conference convenes triennially in an ordinary session and may hold an extraordinary session. It is attended by the representatives of many regional and international organizations.

Dr. Mouhamad who was also a participant in the ministerial high level meeting, is a representative of Uganda to the Executive Council of ISESCO. In his speech, he urged all to contribute positively towards the education system via meaningful innovation, in this technological era.

The Vice Chancellor’s speech reads in part:

"well aware of the large composition of our population being the youth, and the role of science, education and culture, in shaping the future of our nation’s needs emphasis”. As Uganda’s representative to the Executive council of ISESCO, I urge all to participate in meaningful innovations in our education systems. One disadvantage that is associated with the massification of technology is the addiction related to it. Universities like KIU are giving this a priority in order to harness all the benefits of technology application, while at the same time, taking precautions. Countries across the globe face ever increasing challenges of unemployment, climatic changes, crime, extremism and segregation based on religion, skin colour, gender and many other “isms”. ISESCO is to benefit member states with several interventions to address such issues, to which Uganda will benefit.”

KIU through her VC, therefore lends a voice to the development of innovative educational systems in Uganda, and the world at large via ISESCO conference 2018.