As the Head of the Computer Science Department at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), I was privileged to present a talk on "Industry Certifications - Enhancing Employability in IT and CS" at a recent workshop themed "Computing in the 4th Industrial Revolution." This impactful online event drew over 80 attendees, including students, lecturers, and industry professionals from more than 5 Ugandan universities and several prominent IT companies.
My presentation was part of a day-long workshop to equip our students with valuable insights into certification opportunities that can significantly boost their prospects in the dynamic technology job market. I highlighted the most sought-after certifications including CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, ISACA, ISC2, and more while guiding the skills and roles associated with each credential. Importantly, I also outlined information on existing local training centers and universities that offer test prep and exams for these certifications, such as Monaco Labs, Aptech Computer Education, New Horizons, and Makerere University.
By creating awareness about these authorization centers and local resources, students are empowered to obtain globally recognized credentials in Uganda. It was an honor to host esteemed leaders at the workshop including Islamic University's Rector and Academic Registrar who have been staunch advocates of enabling students' success through skilling and career development initiatives. The high turnout and active participation of attendees further validated the increasing industry demand for certified IT and computer science professionals.
As the head of the CS department, I remain committed to bridging the skills gap and improving employability outcomes for our graduates. By facilitating exposure to in-demand technical competencies and shaping curriculum and training in line with industry needs, I believe we can empower students with the expertise and confidence to become truly work-ready and contribute to IT innovation. The workshop marked an important milestone in our efforts to nurture generation-next technologists and unlock their full potential.