Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Pro-Chancellor of the Aga Khan University (AKU), today joined graduates, faculty and families to celebrate the University's Class of 2025. The ceremony celebrated the completion of studies for 133 students, marking a major milestone in AKU's mission to strengthen Tanzania's health and education sectors, producing a new generation of leaders dedicated to national service.
In a message to the graduates, AKU's Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, emphasized the impact of their achievement, noting that the University and its alumni carry “both an extraordinary responsibility and an extraordinary opportunity: to create, to disseminate, and to apply knowledge in ways that improve the quality of human life."
The Convocation saw the conferral of degrees in nursing, midwifery, medicine, and education. Notably, this year's ceremony celebrated AKU Tanzania's first-ever graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, postgraduate degree in Paediatrics and Child Health and the Master of Education (Part-Time) programmes. These are specialized fields designed to address critical gaps in the country's professional workforce.
AKU's work in Tanzania is closely aligned with the Education Sector Development Plan (ESDP) 2030. By training specialized paediatricians and advanced educators, the University is directly supporting the government's goal of producing a highly skilled workforce capable of driving socio-economic advancement.
“Tanzania's future will not be shaped by policies and capital alone," said Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President, Aga Khan University. “It will be shaped by professionals like you—the Class of 2025—who bring integrity, competence, and humility to the noble work of serving the public good."
The University recognised several graduates for their exceptional contributions to research, leadership and community service. From the School of Nursing and Midwifery, awards for academic excellence were presented to Timothy Ndyetabula, Abubakary A. Tila, Fatuma Omary Khamis, and Deodatus Fintien. Hussein Ali Samli was honored for research excellence while Gloria Mwakenja was named the Champion of Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability.
“Atakae cha uvunguni sharti ainame. This Swahili proverb reminds us that to attain something of great value, one must be willing to humble themselves, persevere, and do the necessary work and today we rise," said Hellen Wimile, Valedictorian and BSc Midwifery graduate. “We are here because we made sacrifices, endured long study nights, self-doubts, hard clinical hours, heated debates and research deadlines."
Dr Brenda Mushi, Dr Juvenalius Anslem, Dr Rukhsar Osman, and Dr Elisamia Ngowi from the Medical College were recognised for academic excellence, outstanding residency, research, and leadership.
Additionally, Master of Education graduates Rakshita Pradeep Barmeda, Nandutu Rebecca, Nicodemus Epaphras, Neno Edward Luoga, Faith Wachira, and Odhiambo Lynet Atieno received awards for academic excellence, environmental sustainability, student leadership, and community engagement.
The ceremony also highlighted faculty achievements, including of Dr Nipael Mrutu, who was awarded a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), and Dr Athar Ali who was inducted into the Haile T. Debas Teachers Academy. Several other faculty members from the Medical College and the School of Nursing and Midwifery were recognized for their innovative teaching and commitment to public service.
