Twenty-six Nigerian college students from the African Management College (ALU) had been a part of the biggest graduating class ever, with 431 graduates from 30 African international locations. The ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda, noticed them obtain Bachelor of Arts (BA) levels in Entrepreneurship, World Challenges, and Worldwide Enterprise and Commerce, or Bachelor of Science (BSc) levels in Laptop Science. Notably, the graduating class included recipients of the ALU-Patoranking Scholarship Programme, sponsored by the Nigerian musician, Patoranking, to advertise equitable training entry for younger African changemakers.
Current on the commencement ceremony had been the president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame,the minister of training for Rwanda, Dr Gaspard Twagirayezu and the Mayor of Kigali Metropolis, Samuel Dusengiyumva.
The festivities started with Asante Sana Day, a Swahili time period that means “thanks very a lot.” This on-campus occasion celebrated the graduates and their assist system: households, mates, ALU employees, and alumni. The next day, educators, politicians, and college students’ friends assembled at ALU’s state-of-the-art campus in Kigali’s Innovation Metropolis for the commencement ceremony. It started with a welcome deal with by Veda Sunassee, CEO of ALU, adopted by a keynote speech by ALU co-founder, Fred Swaniker.
Veda emphasised the significance of graduates in a world dominated by negativity. He known as them “a few of the most good younger minds” who won’t solely obtain private objectives but additionally serve their communities and bridge divides.
Fred targeted on the talents employers search in the present day, like essential considering, management, and knowledge evaluation. He highlighted that these expertise, not simply memorized info, are essential for fulfillment.
President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame acquired the ALU Honorary Certificates of Benefit for his management in financial and social improvement, and his assist of ALU. He emphasised Africa’s potential to resolve its personal issues and known as for a shift from dependence on exterior options to possession and duty. He congratulated the graduates and likewise praised ALU for nurturing essential thinkers and innovators on the continent. “This one-of-a-kind establishment is a reminder to all of us that, in Africa, now we have the means to resolve our issues,” he stated.
Laptop Science graduate Millicent Malinga delivered an inspiring speech on behalf of the graduating class. The ceremony additionally featured the Unsung Chief Awards, introduced by Elizabeth Tolu Ojo, Dean of ALU. These awards recognised people who dedicate themselves to supporting future African leaders.
Oreoluwa Ayanfe Ayo-Fisher, a graduate with a level in Worldwide Enterprise and Commerce, expressed gratitude to ALU for its assist in her journey to change into a changemaker. She highlighted the precious connections she made with individuals throughout Africa and the globe.
The celebrations concluded with ALU Homecoming Day, welcoming again alumni for festivities. ALU’s newest Influence Report revealed spectacular outcomes: over 1 / 4 of alumni have began ventures, creating jobs and elevating hundreds of thousands in funding.
See images from the commencement ceremony:
