USIU-Africa awards doctoral degrees for the first time

USIU 38th Graduation Ceremony {PHOTO: GICHURU MWANGI}

United States International University-Africa (USIU) Saturday awarded doctoral degrees to 21 graduates for the first time ever during its 38th graduation.

During the ceremony held at the main campus in Nairobi and presided over by United Nations Conference on Trade Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi, 960 graduates received bachelor’s degrees, while 344 got master’s degrees.

Dr Kituyi applauded the graduates for their commitment and hard work, saying they are now ready to venture into the world. “I commend USIU-Africa’s class of 2016 for making history as the largest ever group in 47 years. The graduates are well equipped with skills and experience for the job market,” he said.

UNCTAD Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi presents Zahra Moi (left), with the Global Executive Master of Business Administration degree at USIU-Africa Saturday. [PHOTO: DAVID GICHURU]

University Chancellor Manu Chandaria urged the graduates to embrace hard work and commitment to be successful in life. “If you have a vision, you will be successful. I want to convey to you that it is all possible. With hard work and commitment, you can move mountains if you want,” Dr Chandaria said.

“My appeal is, let’s make a change. We created Vision 2030, and I was one of the co-architects, where are we today? Fourteen years is left, do you think we can make it? Yes we can make it if you are determined to make it. This is not an easy ride; it is a commitment for Kenya. Hold other people’s hands and then when you walk, let others walk with you.” Chandaria said there are many successful people in this world, but mere success is not enough. “I can be very successful and if I don’t touch others, the success is not enough,” he said.

Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Zeleza emphasised the need for the capacity to create and sustain change in every community. “Make a commitment to achieve your dreams by recognising the window of opportunities that will come along your way,” he said.

ZAHRA BAHLEWA MOI AWARDED MASTERS DEGREE

Among the graduates was Baringo Senator Gideon Moi’s wife, Zahra, who was awarded Global Executive Master of Business Administration (GeMBA).

Zahra Bahlewa Moi, who is also a director of the Board of Tourism Research Institute, said, “GeMBA has prepared us for the global business arena as far as employment opportunities and business opportunities are concerned. It is an excellent programme that provides an enabling environment to study by bringing together professionals of diverse backgrounds. Its flexibility considers busy professionals who may wish to further their studies without having to sacrifice much of their time.”

She added: “The world class faculty, the global oriented courses and the global tour at the end of the programme have all equipped us enough to participate in the dynamic business world. The best part is that in the process of learning we develop a lasting network.”

CORD leader Raila Odinga’s daughter, Winnie, and Energy CS Charles Keter’s wife, Priscillah, also graduated.