University Of Nairobi Holds Successful 45th Graduation Fete

Abstract

The UoN held its 45th graduation ceremony in which 4775 graduands were awarded diplomas and conferred with degrees Friday September 9, 2011. The function featured the Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Architecture and Engineering, Biological and Physical Sciences and Education and External Studies. The two remaining Colleges of Health Sciences and Humanities and Social Sciences will graduate on December 2nd 2011 as announced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha. Among the highlights of the ceremony was a speech by the Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Margaret Kamar who noted that the graduands have pursued courses in key areas central to Kenya’s national development priorities, and in key skills shortage areas such as Engineering, Architecture, land development, veterinary medicine and education which is a remarkable achievement as these are expected to be the main drivers of vision 2030

She challenged the University administration to step-up efforts in mainstreaming the professional development of staff to cater for the existing and anticipated demand for lecturers. She also assured the congregation that the government is committed to increasing access to higher education and announced that the Ministry would continue to establish new university colleges as well as awarding bursaries and scholarships to students. Download the speech

The Chancellor, Dr. Joseph Wanjui urged graduands to be wory of diminished job opportunities and investments due to the global economic crises and encouraged them to exploit their skills and training and be self-employed. The Vice-Chancellor Prof. George Magoha announced that the University had mainstreamed student affairs and research activities through appointment of policy heads at the level of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors Prof. Lucy Irungu who was appointed the DVC (RPE) while Prof. Isaac Mbeche was appointed to the Student Affairs docket. The two responsibilities had increased exponentially in the last 10 years with students reaching the current 55,000 up from 30,000 while the research funds have increased eight fold from Kshs.300 million to over Kshs. 2.5 billion. Others who addressed the congregation were the Chairman of the University Council Mr. John Simba and the Chairperson of University of Nairobi Alumni Association, Dr. Betty Gikonyo. The best overall student Ms Mapili Millicent Mapili who studied industrial chemistry, also addressed the congregation.