Graduands at the Aga Khan University (AKU) Convocation ceremony were urged to use the knowledge and skills gained through their degrees to create innovative solutions that will help Kenya achieve its development priorities.
In his speech, Chief Guest Professor Mwenda Ntarangwi, Secretary and CEO, Commission for University Education, highlighted the important role that Universities can play in fostering economic growth through innovation.
“Universities educate the skilled workers that o
Aga Khan University Board of Trustee Dr. Antonio Rendas confers a graduand a degree at the 14th AKU convocation
rganizations covet, and the informed citizens who are the bedrock of democracy,” said Professor Ntarangwi. “They generate new knowledge that fuels innovation, as well as the evidence policymakers need to make sound decisions.”
Professor Ntarangwi also spoke of the need for continued investment in higher education while highlighting how private universities enable essential contributions to the public good.
“The Commission is committed towards transforming the country into a knowledge based economy
"Universities educate the skilled workers that organizations covet, and the informed citizens who are the bedrock of democracy. They generate new knowledge that fuels innovation, as well as the evidence policymakers need to make sound decisions."
Professor Mwenda Ntarangwi
, where creation, adaptation and use of knowledge are envisaged to be critical factors for economic growth and development…Universities play a critical role in the generation of knowledge and concerted efforts need to put in place to enhance research and innovation in the country,” he added.
In his welcome address, AKU President Firoz Rasul noted that the rising status of the African continent requires graduates with the international orientation and the high quality education to meet the needs of fast-growing economies. He challenged the graduands to use their skills and knowledge to “join the innovation generation” by providing contextual solutions to challenges that face the society.
“Kenya needs you to utilize research and innovation to provide solutions to her problems that enhance social and economic development of her people,” he said. “Those of you who are educators will be called upon to increase enrolments, improve learning outcomes and encourage persistence to graduation.
“Those of you who are nurses and midwives will be asked to ensure that more women give birth safely and that children grow up healthy. To educate the public to adopt healthier lifestyles and demand higher quality health care. And to respond to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes,” Mr. Rasul continued.
He also highlighted how the University’s research was supporting the Kenyan government in its efforts to improve the quality of health across the country.
“With the support of the Ministry of Health, and in partnership with the University of Nairobi and the Toronto SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, we recently published the most comprehensive analysis of maternal and child health outcomes in Kenya over the last quarter century. That study will be an essential resource for policymakers, helping them to select the most effective strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for health,” Mr Rasul said.
Immaculate Wambugu, this year’s valedictorian reiterated the words of the President and the Chief Guest in her speech as she urged her fellow graduands to be exemplary leaders of the future. “I know that each of us has learnt a great deal in our various disciplines and AKU has engraved in us great values. This university has prepared us not only to face the future but also given us the instruments to shape our future and the future of our people. Let us therefore strive to be the light for all those that look up on us and make meaningful contributions to society. For this is the mission of AKU.”
At the convocation 80 graduands were awarded degrees. The Institute for Educational Development saw 16 graduate with a master’s degree and the School of Nursing and Midwifery awarded 28 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees and 16 Diploma in Oncology Nursing degrees. AKU’s Medical College also awarded 20 Master of Medicine degrees.
Welcome Address by President Firoz Rasul