Across East Africa, a new generation of doctors, nurses, educators, and media professionals is poised to enter the workforce, thanks to recent graduation ceremonies hosted by the Aga Khan University (AKU). Over the course of a week in February, the university conferred degrees upon 375 graduates in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, marking a period of significant expansion and impact for the institution. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, recently installed as AKU’s Pro-Chancellor, presided over each of the ceremonies, underscoring the university’s commitment to regional development and higher education.
The landmark convocation season highlighted AKU’s growing footprint in East Africa, particularly with the first-ever graduation held at its new Kampala, Uganda campus on February 7th. The campus, officially inaugurated in September 2025 by His Highness the Aga Khan alongside Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, welcomed 108 graduates – its inaugural class – representing a diverse range of disciplines. This expansion signifies a substantial investment in Uganda’s educational infrastructure and healthcare capacity.
Sarah Naluyima, valedictorian of the Kampala graduating class and a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery recipient, described the experience as “a dream come true.” She emphasized the value of the mentorship, practical experience, and core values instilled at AKU, stating they have prepared her and her peers to “serve our communities with skill, compassion, and integrity.” The Kampala campus is already expanding, with a new undergraduate nursing program admitting its first cohort in September 2025, and plans for broadened offerings in journalism, communications, and medicine. A key development is the ongoing construction of AKU’s Hospital in Kampala, slated to open in 2028, promising international-quality healthcare access to the region.
Expanding Educational Opportunities Across East Africa
The celebrations continued three days later in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where 133 students received their degrees. This convocation held particular significance as it marked 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 at AKU Tanzania. These programs are strategically designed to address critical workforce gaps, aligning with the Tanzanian government’s Education Sector Development Plan 2030.
Hellen Wimile, the Tanzanian valedictorian, eloquently captured the dedication required to reach this milestone, quoting the Swahili proverb “Atakae cha uvunguni sharti ainame,” which translates to “one must humble oneself to achieve something of great value.” She reflected on the sacrifices, late nights, and challenges overcome by her class, emphasizing their collective perseverance.
The final ceremony of the week took place on February 14th in Nairobi, Kenya, where 134 graduates were conferred degrees in medicine, nursing, midwifery, journalism, and media leadership. The Nairobi event also welcomed Prince Amyn Aga Khan to the campus, further demonstrating the Aga Khan Development Network’s commitment to the region. Doreen Wainaina, the Kenyan valedictorian, 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.”
A Vision for the Future of Higher Education in Africa
His Highness the Aga Khan, in a message to all graduates, encouraged the Class of 2025 to leverage emerging technologies – including artificial intelligence and climate science – to address pressing global challenges and serve humanity. He underscored the transformative power of education, stating, “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.”
AKU’s momentum extends beyond its graduation ceremonies. The university secured over $100 million in research funding in 2025, and a remarkable 27 of its faculty members have been recognized among the top 2 percent of scientists globally. In Kenya alone, five faculty members hold this distinction, leading significant research initiatives, including a large-scale study on aging in sub-Saharan Africa and efforts to improve neonatal care across more than two dozen public hospitals.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU, consistently emphasized the importance of integrity, competence, and humility in service to the public good during his addresses to graduates in all three countries. He asserted that the future will be shaped not only by policies and capital but by “professionals like you—the Class of 2025—who embody…the vital perform of serving the public good.”
Continued Growth and Impact
These three ceremonies collectively represent the culmination of years of dedication and investment in higher education and healthcare across East Africa. The passage of 375 graduates into their respective careers underscores AKU’s growing influence as a leading institution dedicated to health, education, and public service. The university’s continued expansion, coupled with its commitment to research and innovation, positions it as a key player in addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.
Looking ahead, the opening of the AKU Hospital in Kampala in 2028 will be a pivotal moment, providing access to world-class medical care in Uganda. The university will continue to expand its academic programs and research initiatives, further solidifying its role as a catalyst for positive change in East Africa. Updates on AKU’s progress and future initiatives can be found on the Aga Khan University website.
The Aga Khan University’s recent convocation season is a testament to the power of education and its potential to transform lives and communities. As these graduates embark on their careers, they carry with them the values and skills necessary to address the challenges and opportunities facing East Africa and beyond.
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