Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, Student

This IUEA Graduate is Transforming Virtual Reality in Africa – Gael Ongoriko

Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying areas of the technology world. Many companies are spending billions to improve it. In this blog, we are proud to tell the story of Gael Ongoriko, a graduate of the International University of East Africa (IUEA), who is doing amazing work in this exciting field.

Gael’s Journey at IUEA

Gael has always loved technology. Refusing to compromise on his dream, he chose to study Computer Science in Uganda at IUEA, the Technological University of Choice in Africa. That decision changed his life. With the help of IUEA, he has become one of the top young minds in technology in Africa. We empower students to join some of the highest-paying sectors in the world, and Gael’s story proves that Virtual Reality is no exception.

As a student, Gael inspires attendees at IUEA’s tech training session with the same groundbreaking innovations that are now reshaping the future of education and healthcare.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that lets people enter and interact with a digital world using special devices like headsets. For example, a person can play a video game and feel like they are really inside the game.

This is part of a bigger group of technologies called Extended Reality (XR), which includes:

VR (Virtual Reality): A full digital world you can enter.
AR (Augmented Reality): Adds digital images to the real world.
MR (Mixed Reality): Let’s you touch and interact with digital things in the real world.

The Extended Reality market was worth over $22 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to over $96 billion by 2029. That means more jobs, more business, and more chances to earn money. Gael is already part of this exciting future.

During a school visit, Gael introduces young students to the life-changing potential of education and technology at IUEA.

Gael Started Innovating at IUEA

At IUEA, Gael didn’t just attend classes, he built new technology. With the help of IUEA, he created:

A Smart Task Manager that helps schools run more easily.
An AI Exam System that makes exams easier to create and grade.

Gael applied what he was learning in class to set himself up for success even before graduation.

Building The First Virtual Reality Company in Uganda

After graduating, Gael worked with another IUEA student, Afrah Yasin, to start a company called Nyota Innovations. This is the first company in Uganda to focus on Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, and Artificial Intelligence.

Nyota is helping many people by using technology in smart ways. Some of their exciting projects include:

Animal Kingdom VR – Teaches school children about animals in a fun, digital world.
Virtual Physics Lab – Allows students to do science experiments safely online.
Medical Training in VR – Helps medical students practice in a virtual hospital.
AR Smart Farming – Gives farmers real-time help to grow better crops.
Virtual Tourism – Lets people tour hotels and resorts online to help boost tourism.

Gael showcases his cutting-edge innovations on an international stage, representing both IUEA and Uganda at a youth festival.

Changing Lives with Technology

Gael also created LegalFinder, Uganda’s first award-winning legal tech app. It helps people get free legal advice and find local lawyers using AI. This is just one more example of how Gael is using technology to help others.

IUEA is proud of Gael for showing what our students can do when they are given the right education, tools, and support.

A high school student explores the future of learning through Gael’s Virtual Reality innovation, one of many solutions born at IUEA to revolutionise education in Africa.

Why IUEA Produces Top Innovators

At IUEA, we do more than teach. We help students become leaders, inventors, and problem-solvers. Here’s how:

Innovation Culture: We teach students to solve real-life problems.
Hands-On Learning: Students don’t just learn, they practice what they learn.
Modern Tools: We give students access to the latest technology.
Strong Support: We help students every step of the way, before and after graduation.
Job-Ready Skills: Our courses are designed to match what companies need today.
Industry Connections: We connect students with real companies and mentors.
Entrepreneurship Training: We teach students to start businesses.
Tech Training: We make sure every student learns essential digital skills.

Gael celebrates with fellow high achievers at IUEA’s 11th graduation, proudly holding awards that reflect a university culture of excellence and innovation.

Be the Next Success Story

Gael’s story is proof that with the right university, you can achieve your dreams and help others, too. His journey started at IUEA, and today, he is changing lives across Africa.

We are proud of everything Gael has done and continues to do. His story shows what is possible when passion meets the right support.

Don’t get left behind. Join IUEA!