KAMPALA, Uganda — Akademik IT, a leading Ugandan EdTech company, has unveiled Akademik Ignite, a transformative student mentoring pilot project designed to equip secondary school students with essential skills for post-school success. The initiative, launched at Kangulumira Public Secondary School, aims to foster entrepreneurial mindsets and practical competencies to address Uganda’s high youth unemployment rates.
The program focuses on three core areas: communication, digital literacy, and media skills, delivered through intensive bootcamps. Akademik IT has assembled a dynamic team of experienced entrepreneurs, business professionals, school teachers, and Kangulumira alumni to mentor students, ensuring a blend of practical expertise and relatable role models.
Stephen Okhutu, CEO of Akademik IT, emphasized the urgency of early skill development. “Many Ugandan youths graduate without the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s economy,” Okhutu said during the launch. “For example, many graduates have tried to startup different enterprises after graduation but the lack of entrepreneur skills have kept them failing. Akademik Ignite addresses this gap by equipping students with hands-on skills and an entrepreneurial outlook while still in school.”
Dr. George Wateta, headteacher of Kangulumira Public Secondary School, hailed the program as an “innovation incubation hub” that will nurture responsible, productive citizens. “This initiative empowers our students to become creators of opportunities rather than job seekers,” he said.
Uganda’s 2024 population census highlights the urgency of such programs, revealing that over 70% of the population is under 25, making it one of the world’s youngest nations. Yet, many professionals remain unemployed due to a lack of practical experience, a challenge Akademik Ignite seeks to address by fostering skills that align with market demands.
The pilot at Kangulumira is a testing ground for a scalable model that Akademik IT hopes to expand nationwide. By cultivating digital literacy, communication, and entrepreneurial thinking, Akademik Ignite aims to reduce the number of job seekers and create a generation of innovators ready to drive Uganda’s economic future.
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