SPEECH BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR, PROF. MWENDA NTARANGWI, DURING THE 47^TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY OF THE UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY-AFRICA HELD ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2025

The Chief Guest, our Chancellor, Ambassador Dennis Awori,

The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran

Members of the Board of Trustees

The Chair of the University Council, Mr. Paul Kasimu

Members of the University Council

Management Board

University Senate,

Faculty, Students, Staff, and Alumni present,

Parents and Guardians,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

The Graduating Class of 2025

Good Morning

Today we look back at the journey we have taken as an institution and marvel at the strides we have made towards providing access, quality and relevant education to our students. When we held our first graduation in 1979, there were just 29 graduates. Today, we celebrate the 1,519 graduates, our largest cohort ever. This is our 47^th commencement and our 56^th year of existence. 56 years ago, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history by becoming the first humans to land on the moon and 47 years ago legendary long-distance runner Henry Rono broke four world records within 81 days--the 3,000 meters steeplechase, 10,000m, 5,000m and 3,000m flat. We here at USIU-Africa have grown in those 47 years, we have diversified, and we continue to innovate. Among you, for instance, are the first graduates of our BSc in Data Science and Analytics, Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Applied Biochemistry, and Bachelor of Global Leadership & Governance. In addition, we also are graduating the first class of Doctoral students in Information Systems & Technology.

Let me to share a few highlights of the things we have done in the past year. We welcomed the first cohort of Bachelor of Nursing students, we launched a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics (offered online), and a Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed for today’s world and that is why, for instance, we have integrated virtual reality into clinical training, giving our students real-world experience before stepping into their professional placements.

Our faculty and students continue excel in research and innovation. Last year, our faculty produced 136 publications in high-impact journals and secured nearly $900,000 in new grants. Our own Professor Naumih Noah, got national recognition as the Best Female Researcher in Applied Sciences by the National Research Foundation.

Six undergraduate students in the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences authored publications, with Samuel Inshutiyimana (a fifth-year student) publishing nine papers and recently traveling to Denmark to present his work at the 83^rd World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Reflecting on this international experience, Samuel says, “I shared findings from my research poster on integrating Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine for management of HIV-associated neurological disorders. The experience increased my confidence in research presentations and showed me how student research can contribute to global health innovation.” Students of Media and Communication won at the Global PR Bootcamp; those in Science and Technology presented research in China, developed AI solutions for disability inclusion, and ranked third in Africa in NASA’s Space Apps Challenge. Hospitality students took first place at the Future Leaders Challenge while others won gold, silver and bronze medals for innovations in SDG competitions, securing participation in the SDG Olympiad 2025 in Geneva this year. Our students from International Relations and International Business Administration came second in the Lady Joyce Aluoch International Inter-Varsity Annual ADR Moot Competition 2025. These achievements show that USIU-Africa students are competing—and winning—on the global stage because we are training them to be agile and relevant in this everchanging world.

Excellence at USIU-Africa is not only about academics. We are committed to producing well-rounded graduates. Our Counselling Center continues to provide psychosocial support, our Placement and Career Services team has expanded employer engagement including a mini career fair that will bring employers to our campus on 8^th and 9^th October. We already have 13 employers confirmed.

Our financial aid program grew by 22% this past year, allowing us to support nearly 600 students. Students from various academic program have also participated in our partnership with Lang’ata Women’s Prison through the State Department for Correctional Services bringing skills and knowledge to our brothers and sisters in there. The university has distinguished itself as the most inclusive higher learning institution in the region and has bolstered support for people with disabilities. At USIU-Africa we are not only diverse, we live it every day!

Our sports teams have upheld our pride and heritage demonstrating resilience and team work. The women’s 3 by 3 basketball team won regional competitions and represented Africa in the Global Championships in China. The men’s and women’s hockey teams represented the East African Community in the Africa Club Championship in Egypt. The rugby team won the East Africa Varsity Cup, and USIU was ranked second out of 39 universities in the Eastern Africa University Championships bringing home 49 medals.

Class of 2025, today you leave with more than just a degree—you carry with you these qualities of innovation, agility, competition, service, resilience, and vision that define USIU-Africa. Keep learning, keep questioning, and keep creating solutions for a world not yet imagined. The world awaits YOU—step into your role and be a leader who thinks critically, adapts swiftly, and acts ethically, because that is who we have prepared you to become.

Class of 2025, go forth, discover, learn and serve. Congratulations!