Victoria University has appointed Meera Ruparelia as Representative of the Directors to its governing council, marking a leadership transition shaped by continuity, institutional reflection, and a renewed focus on innovation-driven higher education following the death of Rajiv Ruparelia.
Victoria University has formally sworn in Meera Ruparelia as the new Representative of the Directors to the University Council, ushering in a new phase of leadership at the institution.
Her appointment comes in the wake of the death of Rajiv Ruparelia, whose tenure is widely credited with reshaping the university’s academic direction and positioning it as a hub for experiential and industry-linked learning in Uganda’s higher education sector.
In her inaugural address to the Council, Meera Ruparelia pledged to sustain and build upon the values that defined her predecessor’s leadership, highlighting innovation, resilience, and practical, skills-based education as central to the university’s future trajectory.
She emphasized the need to align academic programmes with the demands of a fast-evolving global economy, particularly within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
According to her, universities must move beyond theoretical instruction to equip graduates with hands-on competencies that match industry expectations.
Her remarks pointed to a broader institutional strategy focused on bridging the gap between academia and the professional world, positioning Victoria University as a centre for creativity, applied learning, and problem-solving.
Members of the university community have welcomed the appointment, expressing confidence in her leadership at a time the institution is balancing continuity with change.
The transition also reflects a deliberate effort to preserve the legacy of Rajiv Ruparelia while advancing new priorities aimed at sustaining growth, strengthening academic relevance, and enhancing the university’s role in shaping a future-ready workforce.
