The University of Nairobi held its 66th graduation ceremony on 17th December, 2021. On this occasion, the University celebrated the hard work of 6,647 graduands, ushering them out into the world to utilize their knowledge, skills and behavior to build the nation and serve their communities.
Speaking during the 66th graduation ceremony, the Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, urged the graduating class to always remain determined and hopeful.
“As you head into the world, I am constrained to remind you and indeed the rest of us, that there is wisdom in the words of Shel Silverstein, Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the wont’s. Listen to the never haves then listen to yourselves… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
The Chief Administrative Secretary, Department of Early Learning and Basic Education, Ministry of Education, Dr. Sara Ruto lauded the University of Nairobi for continuing to be a leading academic institution provision of quality education. The 66th graduation ceremony was a testament to this fact.
“I recognized that the University of Nairobi has remained a leader in higher education, you are one of the leading Universities in Kenya, in Africa and the World and you have enhanced your intuitional capacity and IT infrastructure amongst other things. This for example allowed blended learning to continue.”
Dr. Ruto was speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Prof. George Magoha.
“The university has created a culture and an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. This year alone the university registered 7patents. I salute the innovators and urge many more students and staff to take advantage of the support provided by the research division to innovate and invent new products.” Said the Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen G. Kiama. Prof. Kiama was highlighting some of the University’s achievements since embarking on the transformation journey.
On her part, the Chairperson of the University of Nairobi Council, Dr. Julia Ojiambo represented by Council Member, Eng. Kariuki Muchemi noted that the University had remained resilient in the face of adversity.
“Indeed, this has been a difficult period and the University of Nairobi has not been spared as we have had to respond accordingly to the changing economic environment brought on by the pandemic. We the council, are very happy that the University has been resilient and innovative to the extent that the academic programs have not been interrupted.”
While the Chairperson University of Nairobi Alumni Association (UONAA), Mr. Isaac Awuondo, encouraged the graduating class to join the Alumni Association in order to enhance the opportunities afforded to them in their distinctive career paths.
“To the graduating class, we take pride in knowing that today you join the University Alumni fraternity. Many before you had the privilege of being here. We are ready to welcome and help you nurture your talents, careers, goals and aspirations. We therefore urge you to re-affirm your membership to the Association by joining. It is such a prestigious and inspiring network formed in 2005 with global membership.”
The graduating class of 2021 was represented by a student from the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, known as Rebecca Adut Dau. Ms Dau was the 66th Valedictorian and she urged her peers not to be scared of failure because they can always go back to the drawing board.
“I pray that you will be honest with yourself and discerning enough to know that you can always Pursue and if necessary go back to the drawing board. That you will protect your mind from all that which steals your joy.”
The University of Nairobi community would like to congratulate the class of 2021, we wish you all the best as you move forward into the next chapter which is full of infinite opportunities.
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