Muganga Credits Rajiv Ruparelia for Championing Practical Learning at Victoria University

Victoria University Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga has credited the late Rajiv Ruparelia with helping shape the institution’s focus on practical learning, innovation and expanding access to higher education.

Rajiv, the son of businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, died in a road accident on May 3, 2025, aged 35. More than a year after his death, his contribution to Victoria University continues to feature in discussions about the institution’s growth and its approach to preparing graduates for the job market.Send Condolences

Under his influence, the university strengthened its emphasis on equipping students with practical skills, embracing technology and aligning academic programmes with the changing demands of the workplace.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

Rajiv’s vision challenged the traditional approach to higher education, which often places greater emphasis on academic qualifications than on the practical application of knowledge.Send Condolences

At Victoria University, the focus shifted towards developing graduates capable of translating classroom learning into solutions to real-world challenges.

Prof. Muganga’s reflections highlight the importance of leadership and investment in shaping an education system that responds to the needs of students, employers and the wider economy.

The approach recognises that academic credentials alone may not be sufficient in an increasingly competitive labour market. Graduates also need problem-solving abilities, effective communication, technological competence and practical experience to succeed professionally.

By embracing experiential learning and emerging technologies, Victoria University has sought to strengthen the connection between academic instruction and the realities of the workplace.

Expanding Opportunities for Students

Beyond practical learning, Rajiv’s contribution also draws attention to the importance of widening access to higher education.

Scholarship initiatives associated with the Ruparelia family and Victoria University have sought to support students from different backgrounds, highlighting the role of private sector investment in creating educational opportunities.

For many young Ugandans, the cost of higher education remains a significant barrier. Initiatives that support deserving students can therefore help more learners pursue their academic ambitions and improve their prospects for employment.

Such efforts also demonstrate how partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector can contribute to human capital development and the country’s broader economic aspirations.

Sustaining Rajiv’s Legacy

Rajiv’s death in May 2025 brought renewed attention to his contribution to Victoria University and the wider education sector.

His legacy, however, will ultimately depend on the institution’s ability to sustain the principles associated with his vision.

This includes investing in quality teaching, strengthening industry partnerships, embracing technological advancement and ensuring students have opportunities to gain practical experience before completing their studies.

For Victoria University, the challenge is to translate that vision into lasting institutional progress and measurable benefits for learners.

As Uganda’s education sector continues to confront questions about graduate employability and the relevance of academic programmes, Rajiv’s contribution offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of making higher education more responsive to the needs of society.

Ultimately, his lasting impact will be measured not only by Victoria University’s growth, but also by the opportunities it creates for students and the contribution its graduates make to Uganda’s development.

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