Victoria University Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga has recognised the late Rajiv Ruparelia for his role in shaping the institution’s commitment to practical education, innovation and widening access to higher learning.
Rajiv, the son of businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, died in a road accident on May 3, 2025, at the age of 35. More than a year after his death, his influence continues to feature in conversations about Victoria University’s development and its efforts to prepare students for the demands of the job market.
During his involvement with the institution, Victoria University strengthened its focus on practical skills, technology and academic programmes designed to respond to the changing needs of employers and the wider economy.
Connecting Education to the Workplace
Rajiv’s vision challenged conventional approaches to higher education that place greater emphasis on academic qualifications than on the practical use of knowledge.
Victoria University has increasingly focused on producing graduates who can apply what they learn in class to address real-world problems and workplace challenges.
Prof. Muganga’s recognition of Rajiv’s contribution highlights how leadership and investment can influence the direction of higher education, particularly when institutions seek to meet the expectations of students, employers and society.
In an increasingly competitive labour market, possessing an academic qualification alone may not guarantee professional success. Graduates also need critical thinking, communication skills, technological knowledge and practical experience to perform effectively in their chosen careers.
Through experiential learning and the adoption of emerging technologies, Victoria University has sought to bring academic training closer to the realities of the workplace.
Creating More Opportunities for Students
Rajiv’s contribution also brings attention to the need to make higher education accessible to more Ugandans.
Scholarship initiatives linked to the Ruparelia family and Victoria University have aimed to assist students from different backgrounds, demonstrating how private-sector investment can help expand educational opportunities.
For many young people in Uganda, the cost of university education remains a major obstacle to pursuing their academic goals. Financial assistance for deserving students can help them continue their studies and improve their prospects of securing employment.
Such initiatives also illustrate the potential of cooperation between private businesses and educational institutions to develop the skills and expertise needed to support Uganda’s economic growth.
Preserving Rajiv Ruparelia’s Legacy
Rajiv’s death in May 2025 renewed attention to his involvement in Victoria University and his contribution to the broader education sector.
Maintaining his legacy will depend on the institution’s ability to continue advancing the principles associated with his vision.
These include improving teaching standards, building stronger links with industry, adopting new technologies and creating opportunities for students to acquire practical experience before graduation.
For Victoria University, the task is to turn these priorities into sustained progress that delivers tangible benefits to learners and the wider community.
As Uganda continues to debate graduate unemployment and the relevance of academic training to the demands of the modern workplace, Rajiv’s contribution provides an opportunity to reflect on the need for higher education that responds more effectively to society’s needs.
Ultimately, his legacy will be reflected not only in the growth of Victoria University but also in the opportunities available to its students and the impact its graduates make on Uganda’s development.