Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-17 17:21:33
More than 700 students celebrated a momentous occasion on Saturday as they graduated from various Aga Khan Universities across the globe, marking a historic 40th anniversary for the institution. Among the graduates, 159 students were honored at the Aga Khan University Nairobi in a ceremony presided over by Education CS Ezekiel Machogu and Princess Zahra Aga Khan.
Princess Zahra highlighted the exceptional year that was 2023 for AKU, with multiple initiatives that demonstrated the institution’s growth. She emphasized the launch of undergraduate medical education in Nairobi and undergraduate nursing education in both Nairobi and Dar es Salaam to provide the much-needed healthcare leaders in East Africa. This year, the graduates, a majority of whom are women, were awarded degrees in nursing, medicine, education, and journalism. Princess Zahra inspired them, urging them to face the world’s challenges with courage and optimism as they return to contribute to their communities.
CS Machogu expressed his great faith in the graduating class, crediting the high standards, merit-based access, and service to society for which Aga Khan University stands. AKU’s President and Vice-Chancellor Sulaiman Shahabuddin hailed the day as a “crowning moment” while outlining the university’s plans for the future in its new five-year strategic plan. These plans include launching new degree programs in fields such as data science and teacher education, enhancing research capacity, expanding the AKU health system, and deepening partnerships with public and private institutions at home and abroad.
In light of AKU’s 40th anniversary, Princess Zahra detailed the significant achievements that had marked the institution’s history. These included the addition of four new academic programs and crossing the 3,600 total enrollment mark for the first time. She highlighted the technological advancements made by the university, such as the implementation of East Africa’s first integrated electronic health records system at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. Noteworthy future projects were also discussed, like the construction of a new 60-acre campus in Uganda, the launch of the Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre in Tanzania, and continued efforts to advance nursing and midwifery.
Among the graduates were media personnel from the Nation Media Group, who were awarded Masters degrees in Digital Journalism. The valedictorian, Susan Cheruiyot, encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace the value of service instilled within them by AKU and to remain prepared and focused in the face of changing seasons and potential rejections.
The Aga Khan University has played a significant role in providing quality education, fostering strong ethical values, and contributing to the enhancement of communities across East Africa. The celebration of this significant achievement in AKU’s 40-year history marks an important milestone in the institution’s commitment to providing excellence in education and healthcare. It stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Chancellor, and chief benefactor, His Highness the Aga Khan. His Highness’s vision continues to guide AKU, inspiring bold decisions that keep the institution at the forefront of innovation, quality, and impact. The graduates will undoubtedly carry this spirit forward as they embark on the next phase of their journeys.
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