The Vice Chancellor of Gulu University has sent a strong warning to students and workers across Uganda: in today’s rapidly changing world, your education doesn’t end at graduation. Professor George Openyjuru Ladaa stressed that lifelong learning has become essential for anyone hoping to build and maintain a successful career.

Speaking at the 2025 career expo organized by Gulu University and Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE) Uganda Chapter, Prof. Openyjuru delivered a powerful message about the need for continuous skills development. “The world of work changes every six months,” he told the gathered students and professionals. “Workers must continually update their skills to remain relevant.”

The university leader shared a personal example to drive home his point. “From the time I left university, I no longer refer to the books I used to read,” he revealed, explaining that much of what he learned in school has become outdated. This reality, he said, means that traditional classroom education alone can no longer prepare people for lifelong careers.

Under the theme “Life-long learning: Mastering your craft for the world of work,” Prof. Openyjuru’s keynote address painted a picture of a job market undergoing constant transformation. He predicted that physical classrooms might soon become outdated, with universities shifting focus to teaching students “how to learn” rather than just delivering content.

The professor outlined several benefits of making continuous learning a habit. Those who embrace this approach become more adaptable, digitally skilled, and flexible in their careers. They maintain their employability, stay current with industry trends, expand their knowledge, and position themselves for advancement. “Your degrees may become outdated, but you continue to remain relevant,” he noted, pointing to freely available resources like YouTube as valuable learning tools.

Even as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms workplaces, Prof. Openyjuru stressed that human workers still have a crucial role to play. “Before you use AI, you must first know AI,” he advised, explaining that workers need to develop skills that complement rather than compete with emerging technologies. The ability to contextualize and apply AI-generated information will become increasingly valuable.

Beyond online learning, the university leader recommended professional networking as another key to career success. Learning from colleagues, friends, and neighbors can provide practical insights that formal education might miss. He also highlighted the importance of financial literacy, especially for those approaching retirement and transitioning out of formal employment.

The career expo represented more than just guidance for job seekers. Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of FAWE Uganda, described it as part of a broader mission to support young people, particularly those from marginalized communities. “This is a space where we can help build confidence, teach marketable skills, and connect youth with real opportunities,” she said.

Opok shared impressive numbers about FAWE’s impact, revealing that more than 300 students have benefited from their scholarships since 2017, with another 1,800 set to benefit in the program’s second phase. These efforts align with the organization’s goal to close gender gaps in education and increase female participation across all sectors.

Betty Aol Ocan, Gulu City Woman MP and the event’s chief guest, urged FAWE beneficiaries to pay forward the support they’ve received. She challenged them to help others once they complete their education and secure employment. Aol contrasted this ethic of mutual support with what she sees as a troubling trend in Ugandan society.

“Our people always want to have plenty before they can offer help,” Aol observed. “Many children get sent home from school over fees simply because we don’t stand together to support them.” She reminded the audience that foreign donors supporting Ugandan education make these contributions out of sacrifice, not surplus wealth.

The four-day expo, running under the theme “The Future of Work: Preparing for Careers in a Changing World,” brought together hundreds of students, educators, employers, and entrepreneurs. Participants explored career opportunities and discussed strategies for succeeding in Uganda’s evolving job market.

Several key takeaways emerged from the discussions. First, the pace of technological change means workers must commit to continuous learning throughout their careers. Second, traditional education systems need to adapt to focus more on teaching learning skills rather than just content. Third, professional networks and peer learning have become just as important as formal qualifications.

For students, the message was clear: graduating marks the beginning rather than the end of their education. For workers, the warning was equally direct: those who stop learning risk becoming obsolete in their fields. And for educators, the challenge involves redesigning curricula to prepare students for constant change rather than static career paths.

As Uganda’s job market continues evolving, events like this career expo provide crucial spaces for dialogue between educators, employers, and future workers. The insights shared by Prof. Openyjuru and other speakers offer a roadmap for navigating the uncertainties of 21st century employment – one that prioritizes adaptability, continuous skill development, and mutual support.

The expo’s success demonstrates growing recognition that preparing for the future of work requires more than academic certificates. It demands a fundamental shift in how we approach education, career development, and professional growth. As technology reshapes industries at an unprecedented pace, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn may become the most valuable skill of all.

For Ugandan workers and students, the choice seems clear: embrace lifelong learning or risk being left behind. The institutions supporting them, from universities to organizations like FAWE, appear ready to lead this transformation. The coming years will test whether the country can turn these insights into concrete actions that prepare its workforce for the challenges ahead.

One thing remains certain – in the words of Prof. Openyjuru, “content has become very vulnerable,” but the ability to learn never goes out of style. This fundamental truth may define career success for Ugandans in the decades to come.