5744 Graduate as UoN Celebrates its 70th Graduation Ceremony
The University of Nairobi on Friday, December 15, 2023 graduated over 5,700 graduands, amongst them 121 Engineering students from Kenya Polytechnic University College and 11 from Koitalel University College.
The 70th Graduation Ceremony was characterized by many firsts; it was a first for the CS, Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu to attend and preside over a UoN Graduation and a first for the Ag Chancellor and Chair of Council, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe to confer Degrees and award Diplomas. State House Comptroller, Hon. Katoo Ole Metito and CEO of Privatization Commission, Joseph Kosgey both graduated with a PhD in Business Administration.
As he conferred Degrees and awarded Diplomas, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, started by paying tribute to his predecessor, Dr. Mrs. Vijoo Rattansi and celebrated her leadership and legacy. He also announced that according to the Universities Act, he will be acting chancellor for the next 6 months. He congratulated graduands and urged, ‘You have achieved a significant milestone in your educational journey and you are an inspiration to the community. However, with this accomplishment comes a challenge. I urge you to go out into the world and become problem solvers, addressing the socio-economic issues that plague our nation. It is only through your effort and dedication that we can truly grow as individuals and as a community. Dear Graduands, your journey starting now requires discipline, resilience, patience and it will be bumpy but nevertheless, keep it moving. You will secure a bright future for yourself and your country,’
The CS, Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, Congratulated the graduands and noted the achievements of the government and the Ministry of Education, ‘I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the University of Nairobi and other tertiary institutions for their unwavering commitment to providing a conducive learning environment. As we continue to address the funding needs of our students, we also acknowledge that many of our Universities are currently facing unprecedented financial difficulties. Allow me to assure you that the Ministry will progressively work towards resolving these concerns and ensuring that access to quality education remains unimpeded.’
Hon. Machogu has challenged universities to maximize on partnerships and collaborations, to continue engaging in research and innovation. He also pledged to officially join the Alumni Association and urged the graduands to join in the Association and give back to the Alma Mater.
Prof. Stephen Kiama, the Vice Chancellor of the University congratulated the graduands and noted, ‘I am pleased to present 5,744 graduands for the 70th graduation of the University of Nairobi. Today we will graduate 73 PhDs, 37 fellowships, 1,632 Masters, 55 Post Graduate Diplomas, 3666 Bachelors, and 281 Diploma awards of the University of Nairobi. I want to first and foremost congratulate each and every one of the graduands who will be receiving their degrees, diplomas, and awards. This is a remarkable achievement, and I commend your dedication, perseverance, and hard work throughout your academic journey.’
The Vice Chancellor has called out the Government on following up allocation of funds that have been designated by Law to go towards research. He also announced that the University has received an increase in the number of students that joined the University in place. He announced the measures in place through partnership to address the challenge of students hostels.
The Chairman, UoN Alumni Association who was represented by Mr. Samuel Lera noted that, ‘We do acknowledge and appreciate the fact that sending a total of over 5,000 plus graduands to the market with the current economic challenges is a great achievement for the University, the community and the global job market. As a world class University, the extra effort and vigour you have put in preparing the graduating class in readiness for the job market is commendable. It gives the graduates an upper hand to be absorbed in the job market globally and also be promoted in their own spaces to serve better.’
Kelvin waweru, the Valedictorian from the Bachelor of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Health Sciences, congratulated his fellow graduands and urged them, ‘My fellow graduates, as we step into the world beyond this great University, we are each endowed with our unique set of talents, skills, and abilities. The talents we possess are not just academic achievements or skills acquired during lectures; they encompass the virtues of self-discipline, consistency, compassion, creativity, and the ability to adapt. These are the talents that will shape our character and define our impact on the world. Let us not be like the servant who buried his talent in fear. Instead, let us be courageous in the face of challenges, for it is through challenges that our talents are refined and our characters strengthened.
UNC TV streamed the Graduation Ceremony live. ,Watch through this link
Ag Chancellor and Chair of Council Speech
