Students of Avance International University have been advised to serve humanity upon completion of their studies.
The call was made by religious leaders who urged the students not only to serve their immediate families but also the communities in which they live.
The religious leaders made the remarks during a Prayer Day held at the university campus in Nabweru, Wakiso District.
“You must have compassion, help others in the community, care for the sick and share resources. By doing this, you are serving humanity,” Sheikh Twaibu Ali Mpanso, the Registrar of Sharia at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, said
.
Mpanso warned the students against discrimination and urged them to develop a respectful attitude towards fellow students, lecturers, the administration and the community at large.
“Avoid discrimination and hatred, but speak good words to the people,” Mpanso said.
He also appealed to the students to develop good character by embracing values of honesty and discipline.
The Prayer Day was held under the theme: “Rediscovering God’s Purpose for Mankind.”
In his remarks, the Chancellor of Avance International University, retired Bishop James William Ssebagala, cautioned students against studying only for certificates, urging them to use their education to serve humanity.
Ssebagala emphasised that students should use their God-given potential to solve problems in society.
The Bishop read Jeremiah 29:11, which states:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
He told the audience that the word of God reminds us that before we were made, God had already had a purpose for our lives.
Quoting Genesis 1:27, which says that God created mankind in His own image, Ssebagala said:
“Therefore, we are not accidents. We are God’s creation, and every one of us has gifts, abilities and potential.”
He explained that education helps students discover their abilities and use them to serve mankind.
“Our knowledge, talents and positions are not given merely for our own benefit. They are opportunities to serve God and humanity.”
He encouraged students to remember that their circumstances may change, but God’s purpose for their lives does not change.
“Some people here may have experienced failure, disappointment, unemployment or uncertainty. But your present circumstances do not necessarily determine your future. God still has a purpose for your life,” the Chancellor said.
He reminded the students of the university’s vision, which is to be a premier innovative higher education institution for social, economic and technological transformation in Africa.
“This is more than producing certificates. It is about transformation,” he said.
He added that education should give students knowledge, but knowledge should lead to innovation; innovation should lead to solutions; and solutions should transform lives.
“Do not study only for a certificate. Study to develop your God-given potential. Study to solve problems. Study to create opportunities. Study to serve humanity,” Ssebagala said.
Fr. Rev. John Stephen Semaganda of St Joseph Catholic Parish, Nansana, urged the students to develop good relationships among themselves and foster unity with the administration.
Fr. Rev. Semaganda advised the students to be wise when choosing friends, saying priority should be given to those who add value to their lives.
The Director of Avance International University, Dr. Gracious Ariyo, encouraged students to put God first in their studies, saying this would help them succeed.
“Make God the centre of your life and He will strengthen you to succeed,” Dr. Ariyo said.
The Vice Chancellor, Dr. Joshua Kimata Kato, commended the Chancellor and the administration for spearheading innovations at the university, making it a leading institution of higher learning in innovation in the country and Africa at large.
