UoN 69th Graduation Ceremony: a first physical ceremony post-covid and the last one for Dr. Vijoo Rattansi
The 69th Graduation Ceremony; a physical Graduation Ceremony since the University went virtual after Covid-19 has seen 3,983 graduands conferred with Degrees and Diplomas on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Chancellor’s Court.
This unique graduation ceremony was also the last graduation ceremony that the 5th and the first female Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi conferred degrees and diplomas. The Chancellor capped 80 PhD graduands, she conferred 524 master’s degrees, 3,132 bachelor’s degrees,1 Fellowship Award, 35 Post Graduate Diplomas and 211 Diplomas. This Graduation Ceremony was also the inaugural convocation of 50 of the pioneer students at Koitalel Arap Samoei Campus, which is a constituent college of the University of Nairobi.
While speaking at the 69th Graduation Ceremony, the Chancellor, Dr. Rattansi reminisced, ‘I stand before you today, to discharge a sacred and indivisible duty…one generously conferred to me by statutes. I stand here to celebrate with you and to confer degrees and grant diplomas, certificates and other awards of and in the name of the University of Nairobi. It is a duty I have discharged, without fail, since I was appointed Chancellor. I am therefore most pleased to be at the service of today’s graduating cohort to whom I am morally indebted on such a day.’
Dr. Rattansi ended up by sharing some five key lessons from her journey to the audience, ‘The path of duty is the way to glory, We must remain “woke” and guard against Icarus Complex,humility, adversity comes to all men, how you react is what matters, and finally advisors; never underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with a village of good advisors. Asking for advice is an act of humility and verily, you are as good as the quality of advice you receive.’
The Chief Guest, PS of Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala who was representing the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu joined the University Community in applauding the Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi and recognizing her efforts at the University for the past ten years. She applauded the University for going back to a physical graduation, ‘I want to commend the University of Nairobi for its commitment to providing our country with quality human capital, in spite of the many challenges around us. The fact that this is the first physical graduation since 2019 is proof that the university has made major strides of recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am optimistic that the graduands being celebrated today represent the University’s best due to some good lessons learned during the pandemic. One important lesson is that the world is now more globalized than ever before, and hence, we must always remember to approach issues with this perspective in mind. The popular mantra, “Think local, act global” is all the more relevant today.’
Speaking for the first time since his appointment as Chair of Council, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe congratulated the graduands and noted, ‘As we gather here, we must also acknowledge the importance of this transition from student life to more civic responsibilities as an adult citizen. The knowledge and skills you have acquired during your time at the University of Nairobi have equipped you to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It is now your responsibility to utilize invariably these additional attributes to contribute to the betterment of our society. We hope that with the guidance and support of this council, the university will be able to overcome the challenges that we face and continue to strive for excellence in the academia.’
He expressed his gratitude to the President on the appointment of this council and pledged to lead the University of Nairobi through the challenges that the institution has faced.
While delivering his speech, the Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen Kiama recognized the Chancellor’s achievements and philanthropic spirit, ‘Every year, Dr Rattansi has generously donated books to the University of Nairobi Library. She has provided scholarships worth over 100 million Kenya Shillings to needy students through the Rattansi Educational Trust. She also played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Nairobi Foundation, a special purpose vehicle dedicated to driving the University towards financial sustainability. I could go on and on.’
Prof. Kiama noted,’ Today's graduation is a special one because it marks a return to the physical graduation, which is a cherished tradition by our students, parents and sponsors, and all the esteemed stakeholders of this University. Since the year 2020, the University, like many other institutions, was forced to adopt online activities as a safeguard against the COVID-19 pandemic.In addition to celebrating our graduating class today, preparations are in top gear to welcome approximately 11,000 new students to the University of Nairobi from 25th of September 2023.
Mr. David Thuo, a representative of the University of Nairobi Alumni Association Chair, congratulated the graduands , ‘I do also take this opportunity to thank the University Management for revamping back to face to face graduation after 3 years of virtual graduation necessitated by the circumstances beyond our control.
It is also a day to remember and reflect on your trajectory path. The new environment you have joined or going to join and its structures will enable you have more exchange of information and ideas, job opportunities and other valuable openings globally.As graduates of our country Kenya, it is your responsibility to develop your internal and external strengths as future leaders of this country. You have a role to play, in leadership and governance of this nation. ‘
On his part, the Valedictorian, speaking on behalf of the graduating class of 2023 expressed his gratitude to his supervisors, management, his parents, his family, his fellow classmates, ‘My name is Arian Muindi Nzioka from the Department of Architecture. It is an honour to speak on behalf of the graduating class of 2023. Our dear families and friends who have been our true MVPs, we salute you for your unconditional dedication, and support leading to this moment.’
He encouraged his fellow graduates, ‘I joined the university teeming with dreams and ideas, where I got more dreams, ideas and a generous gift of memories, friendships and a degree to crown it. I have a dream to pass this knowledge to those who are coming after us and lately I am becoming more grateful for the now. This, here and now, is the moment that has been the story.’
Watch the Ceremony through this links
