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Technical University of Mombasa on Thursday, July 14th held their 9th Graduation ceremony at the university’s Assembly Hall where 3,805 academic awards were conferred.

Being the new norm where everyone is dependent on technology to transact in most of their daily activities including education; TUM chose ‘Revitalizing Technical Education to Accelerate Sustainable Economic Recovery’ as the theme for her 9th Graduation Ceremony. This was an affirmation of how the graduands and the institution navigated around academic matters, making sure no lectures, practicals, research and innovations were interrupted during this COVID-19 era. It is indeed through these efforts that culminated to the grand virtual graduation ceremony.

The blended graduation ceremony was attended by guest from far and wide, stakeholders from both national and county government, educational institution representatives and various manufacturing sector while majority followed the event as it was being streamed live by the institution Corporate Communication Team via YouTube and other social media channels.

The New Chairman of the Council Prof. Francis Kibera who was sworn into office on the morning of the graduation, at another small ceremony held in his new office which was witnessed by the Principal Secretary Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi, Chief Guest speaker Amb. Samori Okwiya, council members and other dignitaries. The guests hailed TUM fraternity, especially the management team for steering the university in the right direction in becoming number 9 out of 274 state corporations despite the many challenges facing the education sector. Prof. Kibera congratulated the class of 2021 on the job well done and implored them to go out and face the world with patriotism, devotion, and dedication.

 

The ecstatic NEPAD Director- Amb. Samori, showered praises on the graduands for exhibiting highest notch of resilience and determination in their academic journey. He acknowledged the economic crises brought by the Ukraine war and the Covid – 19 pandemic. He further informed the congregation of the underway NEPAD - TUM partnership. “The pandemic has heightened the urgency to rethink our micro- economic and sectorial policies in order to realign them with employment creation. It is now well recognized that the policies targeted on diversification on shifting of production structures towards new source of growth like blue economy as stated by Prof. Laila in her speech are ideal to support sustainable economy and employment. As the graduation theme goes... Revitalizing Technical Education to Accelerate Sustainable Economic Recovery, The NEPAD secretariat and myself is in the midst of forming collaboration with TUM to implement initiatives of good governance and sustainable development as well as strengthen to capacity building.”

 

The ministry of education, Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education and Research, Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi graced the ceremony where he challenged the graduands to uphold the ethical values acquired from the university as they endeavour to serve Kenyans and the world with diligence. He added that it is mandatory for them to make use of the entrepreneurial skills to establish enterprises and be good ambassadors of the University.

Dr. William Kingi, deputy governor Mombasa County, implored the graduands to go out and drive the change of thoughts they want in their professions and society. In reference to the 9th graduation theme, he articulated the need for the graduands to strive and embrace public policies as their duty of academicians to be the center of thought in the country. He also congratulated them for their academic success at the different levels they were graduating with.

 

In her speech, the vice chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar had a warm congratulatory message to the graduands. “On behalf of the entire Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) fraternity, I congratulate the graduating class of 2021 on the actualization of your academic goals. This graduation is a clear testament to the success of your academic journey at the Technical University of Mombasa.” She affirmed that the graduates had been equipped with knowledge and skills and that they were ready to be released to the various industry.

Apart from the academic division, TUM has an Administration Finance and Planning (AFP) docket headed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (AFP) Prof. Joseph Rasowo, where all support departments fall under; whom during his speech, pledged continued support through the provision of high-quality support services and ensuring a conducive working and learning environment for its students.

 

His counterpart Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Research & Extension (DVC_ARE) Prof. Peter Gichangi conveyed an empowering message to the graduands. “Your academic journey may not necessarily stop here, but what is clear is that for some of you, your career in the industry begins now! Graduates, you have been empowered! I look forward to seeing you in the industry!” Furthermore, he highlighted how Post Covid era has seen appal usage and development of e-learning technologies for blended learning and training.

The valedictorian, Gachungu Wamboi, from the school of business, extended the gratitude to God Almighty to have guided all the graduands this far. She further acknowledged the support from the parents, guardians and well-wishers who stood with the graduands through thick and thin, and finally the TUM lecturers and other staff for making TUM a great institution of higher learning in the country enabling them achieve their academic excellence. She concluded by addressing her colleagues that they have what it takes to face the outside world and make it better than it is.

Tags: TUM

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ANANDA DOUGLAS

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