The Aga Khan University (AKU) celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2024 in Tanzania on Monday. With Princess Zahra Aga Khan in attendance, the University paid tribute to its late founder and first Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, and welcomed his successor, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V.
Seventy-one nurses, doctors, journalists and educators were conferred degrees in their respective disciplines. This comes at a time when the University is expanding its scope, with nine new degrees launched in the last three years, including a four-year Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in Tanzania.
“Our founding Chancellor once said that the cornerstone of his vision was opportunity – the opportunity to build a better life for oneself and one's family," said President and Vice Chancellor Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin. “In Tanzania and its neighbours, His Highness created opportunities for millions of people through the Aga Khan Development Network. Here at AKU, he gave our graduates an opportunity they have seized on – to acquire new knowledge, new skills and a new perspective on their capacity to lead change."
“This year's Convocation is especially meaningful as we strive to honour the legacy of our founder and Chancellor's visionary leadership, unwavering support and great love for this University and its people," Princess Zahra Aga Khan said in an emotional address. “Around the world, our alumni embody his aspiration for AKU graduates to be leaders and change agents who transform their professions, take on societal challenges and uplift humanity."
In Tanzania, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) health system encompasses two hospitals and 22 outreach health centres that care for almost a million patients annually. This system now includes the Cancer Centre at the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam, a 25 billion shilling project that is greatly expanding access to cancer care in Tanzania.
“As graduands in the fields of education, nursing and medicine, I implore us to make sure we lead lives that are impactful in our chosen fields," Valedictorian Vickie Kipesi said. “Let us seek to leave a lasting positive mark in the people we interact with and the lives we touch. Let us be voices for advocacy, for ethics, for compassion and for change in our work and our communities at large."
The University also celebrated outstanding contributions and academic excellence among faculty and students. Nursing graduates Regina Benson Waitati and Elice Kajuna were awarded for academic excellence. Residents from the Medical College Dr Sumayyah Nasiruddin Saudin, Dr Mukasa Mohammed, and Dr Mabula Mussa Mabelele, received awards in academic, research excellence and student leadership respectively. Three Master of Education graduates, Regina Fumbuka, Khadija Ismael, and Irene Manganga, received global student awards for Impact & Innovation, Environmental Sustainability, and Excellence in Student Leadership respectively.
From the Medical College, Assistant Professor Muzdalifat Abeid was awarded the Innovation Impact Award of Distinction for her groundbreaking work optimizing caesarean section use at the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam. She was also honoured for excellence in research and awarded a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
From the Medical College, faculty were honoured for excellence in teaching and public service, recognizing Assistant Professor Massawa Nyamuryekung'e received an award in teaching excellence and Programme Director, Internal Medicine Samina Somji was awarded for excellence in public and Community Service.
Similarly, the School of Nursing and Midwifery recognized Dr Stewart Mbelwa (Outstanding Teacher), Dr Kahabi Isangula (Research), and Dr Loveluck Mwasha (Public Service).
Gloria Maxmillian Magege received an Associate Fellowship from HEA while Dr Mariam Noorani was honoured with Membership to The Haile T. Debas Teachers' Academy.
