The Aga Khan University (AKU) celebrated the graduation of 375 new doctors, nurses, educators, and media professionals across Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya in a series of ceremonies held over the past week. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, recently appointed as AKU’s Pro-Chancellor, presided over each event.
AKU Uganda Holds First Convocation
On February 7, AKU marked a historic milestone with its first-ever convocation at its new Kampala, Uganda campus, officially inaugurated in September 2025 by the Aga Khan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. One hundred and eight graduates—nurses, teachers, media professionals, and physicians—received their degrees at the ceremony.
“Graduating from AKU Uganda is a dream come true,” said valedictorian Sarah Naluyima, a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery graduate. “The mentorship, practical experience, and values we have gained here have prepared us to serve our communities with skill, compassion, and integrity.”
The Kampala campus is undergoing rapid expansion, with a new undergraduate nursing programme admitting its first cohort in September 2025. Expanded offerings in journalism, communications, and medicine are also planned. Construction of AKU’s Hospital in Kampala is currently underway and is expected to open in 2028.
Graduations in Tanzania and Kenya
Three days later, 133 students received their degrees in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, marking the first graduating cohort in the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, a postgraduate diploma in Paediatrics and Child Health, and a part-time Master of Education.
“Atakae cha uvunguni sharti ainame,” said valedictorian Hellen Wimile, quoting a Swahili proverb meaning that one must humble oneself to achieve something of great value. “We are here because we made sacrifices, endured long study nights, self-doubts, hard clinical hours, heated debates, and research deadlines.”
AKU’s Tanzanian programmes are designed to address gaps in the national workforce, aligning with the government’s Education Sector Development Plan 2030.
The week concluded on February 14 in Nairobi, Kenya, with the conferral of degrees to 134 graduates in medicine, nursing, midwifery, journalism, and media leadership. Prince Amyn Aga Khan also visited the Nairobi campus during the ceremony.
Kenyan valedictorian Doreen Wainaina urged her fellow graduates to focus on giving back to their communities, stating, “The true measure of opportunity is not what it gives us, but what we choose to give back as a result of it.”
Aga Khan’s Message to Graduates
In a video message to graduates across all campuses, His Highness the Aga Khan encouraged the Class of 2025 to utilize tools like artificial intelligence and climate science for the benefit of humanity.
“When we educate an individual, we do not merely confer a personal asset that can never be taken away; we set in motion a powerful ripple effect that extends to families and communities,” he stated.
AKU secured over US$100 million in research funding in 2025, and 27 of its faculty members are ranked among the top 2 percent of scientists globally, including five in Kenya who are leading studies on ageing and neonatal care across numerous public hospitals.
AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin emphasized the importance of integrity, competence, and humility in serving the public good, stating that the future will be shaped by professionals like the graduating class.
The ceremonies collectively highlight the growing impact of AKU as a leading institution for health, education, and public service in Africa.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
