Ninety-four students have been awarded degrees in various disciplines by the Aga Khan University (AKU) at its 16th convocation ceremony in Uganda.
A total of 31 graduands were awarded diplomas in nursing, while another 31 were conferred Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. A further 12 graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery and 20 were awarded a Master of Education degree.
Uganda’s State Minister for Higher Education, Dr John Muyingo the chief guest at the ceremony in Kampala applau
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ded AKU for its quality education.
“AKU has always produced quality students. I have all the confidence that these graduates will be quality leaders in the country. I urge each of you to exercise the value of service above self in your respective professions,” he said.
The University has graduated 800 nurses and midwives to date and today’s convocation comes ahead of the University’s plans to expand its programs in Uganda and to construct a new hospital in Kampala. Both initiatives will transform the country’s healthcare system by introducing an expanded range of medical disciplines while a Patient Welfare Programme will ensure high quality healthcare is accessible to low-income patients.
“We as the government of Uganda appreciate the continuous support from the Aga Khan University to provide quality healthcare as well,” Hon. Muyingo said, “the hospital will be an important resource in this country that will position Uganda as a destination for medical tourism in the region.”
AKU President Firoz Rasul said, “The teaching hospital will educate outstanding health professionals who will elevate the quality of care across the country and enable research that delivers new solutions to Uganda’s most important health challenges.”
President Rasul said AKU’s aspiration is to improve the quality of life in Uganda through the provision of relevant education in medical sciences and education that will prepare youth to address the country’s health and education goals.
Mr Rasul said: “From rural clinics to Mulago National Hospital, our alumni are providing the outstanding care people need to lead healthy and productive lives. They are elevating the quality of teaching from the pre-primary to the university level. In the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, they are formulating policies to accelerate Uganda’s development.”
Graduates applauded AKU for providing quality education and vowed to be change agents in their communities and in the country’s health workforce.
“We promise not to just be leaders but rather transformational leaders; applying evidence-based practice, embracing the increasing impact of technology, take on leadership positions at higher level and improve the quality of care provided to our clients in Uganda and beyond,” said Valedictorian Simon Batte, a nursing graduate.
Academic awards were presented to the best students: Alexandria Nalwanga, a Bachelor of Nursing graduate was the top student achieving a GPA of 4.95; Titin Hellen, a Bachelor of Midwifery graduate had a GPA of 4.78 and Bukwira Hannat, a Diploma in General Nursing had a GPA of 4.78.
The convocation ceremony was attended by diplomats, families of graduating students, AKU faculty and staff members.
