Aga Khan University celebrates its 20th graduation ceremony

Dar es Salaam. Aga Khan University (AKU) yesterday celebrated its 20th graduation ceremony by conferring degrees to this year’s 71 graduates in Dar es Salaam.

The graduates were from various fields, including education, nursing, midwifery and media leadership.

The university also honoured its founder and first chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, while welcoming his successor, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V.

Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary leader of the Ismaili Muslims, died in Lisbon, Portugal on February 4, 2025 at the age of 88.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Prince Zahra Aga Khan emphasised the pivotal role of education in improving livelihoods, highlighting its priority status within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

She explained that her father established both AKU and the University of Central Asia (UCA) with the vision of strengthening education systems.

Princess Zahra noted that it had been her father’s great pride to witness students complete their education at AKU, adding that this year’s graduates would be the last cohort to have studied under his guidance.

 “I extend my gratitude to the government of Tanzania for its continued trust in our institution and its support for our mission to expand educational opportunities and enhance the healthcare sector,” she said.

She further explained that her father firmly believed in human ingenuity and the power of collaboration to address global challenges and build resilient societies.

“My father established and led numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing human potential, fostering well-being, strengthening communities, and protecting the environment,” she added.

She also expressed appreciation for AKU’s graduates and students, recognising them as global ambassadors of the university’s vision through their professional dedication and service to communities.

Welcoming her, AKU president Sulaiman Shahabuddin highlighted the university’s recent graduation ceremonies held in Kenya, Uganda, and Pakistan, where 850 men and women graduated in various disciplines, including teaching, media leadership, nursing, and midwifery.

“These graduates will provide high-quality services within hospitals, schools, media organisations, and civil society institutions. They will also contribute to expanding global knowledge and fostering innovative solutions to societal challenges,” he said.

He further affirmed AKU’s commitment to collaborating with Aga Khan Hospital in strengthening East Africa’s healthcare systems.

“In Tanzania, the AKDN healthcare network includes two hospitals and 22 health centres, serving approximately one million patients annually. This integrated system enhances our ability to deliver quality healthcare, education, and research,” he said.

He also highlighted the establishment of a Cancer Centre at Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam, a Sh25 billion project aimed at significantly expanding access to cancer treatment in Tanzania.

According to him, AKU continues to be recognised among the top 150 universities globally in various fields, with continued support from donors and alumni.

Meanwhile, AKU Provost Dr Eunice Pallangyo reiterated the institution’s dedication to academic excellence, stating that the 71 graduates represent the university’s commitment to quality education.

“We emphasise excellence in all our programmes. Our students are encouraged to be pioneers of change wherever they go and to apply their knowledge to make a meaningful impact,” she said.