By CTW Team

On September 27, the University held its 47th Commencement Ceremony, presided over by the Chancellor, Ambassador Dennis Awori. The ceremony marked a historic milestone, celebrating 1,519 students: 929 undergraduates, 569 graduates, and 21 doctoral graduates, representing 30 countries worldwide.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador Awori emphasized that graduates are entering an interconnected world where sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) are no longer optional; they are the new language of business, governance, and society.

“Among you are pioneers in the emerging fields of sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). You represent a bold response to the most urgent challenges of our time: climate change, environmental degradation, ethical governance, and social equity. Your education has not only equipped you with critical knowledge to tackle these challenges, but also instilled a sense of responsibility to play a role in leading Africa, Kenya, and the world toward a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future,” Ambassador Awori expressed.

He further stated that Artificial Intelligence is the new reality, and new graduates must adapt and distinguish themselves in the marketplace by accelerating AI. “As students of USIU-Africa, you have learnt not to fear AI, but to harness it. AI is not a replacement for human creativity; instead, it is an accelerator. It can process vast amounts of data, reveal hidden patterns, and automate routine and repetitive tasks. But it cannot replicate empathy, wisdom, or the human spirit. The leaders of tomorrow-YOU- will be those who combine the power of these new technologies with ethical decision making and a deep sense of responsibility to society,” he said.

Another historic highlight of this year’s ceremony is the graduation of the first cohorts from five academic programs, namely: Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems Technology, Bachelor of Science in Applied Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics, Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, and Bachelor of Global Leadership & Governance. The growth of academic programs at USIU-Africa is a response to the growing market needs and changing landscape of higher education.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Professor Mwenda Ntarangwi echoed the Chancellor’s remarks and charged the new graduates with a mandate to make a difference around the globe. “You have received a world-class degree which has prepared you for a complex world and are well-equipped to solve some of the world’s pressing challenges,” he said.

He also acknowledged the Class of 2025 distinguished itself through impact-driven research, sports, innovation & entrepreneurship, and community service.

“Our global presence and impact continue to be felt all over the world through our students who have embodied the tagline ‘Education to take you places’ by participating in global innovation challenges, sports championships, and submitting research in global conferences,” he concluded.

The ceremony comes at a time when the university is celebrating its 56th anniversary since its establishment in 1969.