Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) held a successful joint graduation ceremony together with the Pan-African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) on Friday, November 29, 2024 at its main campus in Juja.
The twin ceremony, running under the theme; ‘Promoting Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development’, marked the 43rd and 11th convocation for JKUAT and the African Union-backed PAUSTI respectively.
A total of 3,863 candidates were awarded certificates and diplomas, and conferred various degrees.
The graduands were distributed as follows: 305 certificate and diplomas, 3002 Bachelors degrees, 124 Postgraduate diplomas, 386 Masters and 46 PhDs, constituting 2084 males and 1779 females, out of which, PAUSTI had 10 Masters and 12 PhD graduands drawn from 14 African countries.
Speaking while presiding over the graduation, JKUAT Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Mathu Ndung’u, said, the convocation was a “testament to the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and societal transformation” and represented a culmination of tireless efforts by the graduands, faculty and parents, guardians and sponsors.
Prof. Ndung’u said that as an institution of higher learning, JKUAT bears a profound responsibility to provide innovative solutions.
“Our researchers are renowned for their cutting-edge research in various disciplines, while the University leverages scientific publications, conferences and exhibitions to disseminate research outputs,” he said.
Regarding the ongoing impasse on university education funding, the Chancellor called for a collaborative approach by government, universities, development partners and communities to establish a sustainable and equitable financial framework that supports students and institutions.
He congratulated the graduands on their academic achievements and encouraged them to remain top ambassadors of JKUAT in professional careers, entrepreneurial ventures or community service.
Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos Ogamba, represented by Dr. Caro Hunja, noted that the university has been a frontrunner highly recognized for excellent performance in research and innovation.
He challenged the university to commercialize the assets in order to address prevailing societal challenges in healthcare, food security, manufacturing and housing, among other critical areas.
Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi expressed confidence that comprehensive training had equipped graduands to excel in the dynamic global workforce.
“You are stepping into the world equipped with the knowledge and skills to create meaningful change. We are confident that your time at JKUAT has prepared you to excel professionally and uphold the values of integrity and innovation,” said Prof. Ngumi.
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AU Commissioner, Education Science Technology and Innovation (ESTI), Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, lauded PAUSTI’s management for actualizing the 11th convocation.
“They have provided students with a quality education and inspired them to reach their fullest potential, contributing significantly to the growth and success of the institution,” he said.
The Commissioner was represented by the Vice-Rector, Academic and Student Affairs, Pr. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, who appreciated the host country, Kenya, AU Member States, African Development Bank and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology for supporting PAUSTI.
“This support has enabled the institute to offer an education that is both impactful and transformative for hundreds of young African men and women.”
The Commissioner emphasized that they were not only celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments, but also, the strong alignment of the Pan African University with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 — a vision for a united, prosperous, and self-sustaining Africa.
By Patrick Amunavi
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