Calls for Innovations as UoN Celebrates 73rd Graduation Ceremony
The University of Nairobi marked a historic milestone on September 19, 2025, as it held its 73rd Graduation Ceremony at the Chancellor’s Court. The event brought together graduands, families, faculty, partners and distinguished guests in a colourful celebration of academic excellence and achievement for 3,836 graduands.
The Chief Guest was Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education, Ministry of Education, who lauded the University of Nairobi for its consistent role in shaping Kenya’s human capital. She congratulated the graduands, urging them to be ambassadors of integrity, excellence and service as they transition into various fields of society.
The Vice Chancellor (Ag), Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, congratulated the graduands on their success, acknowledging the resilience and dedication that defined their academic journey. She reminded them that their degrees are not only personal achievements but also tools for societal transformation.
“As you step out into the world, I urge you to embrace innovation and creativity,” she said. “The challenges facing our nation and the globe demand solutions that are practical, sustainable and bold. Use the knowledge and skills gained here to transform lives and shape the future.”
Delivering his first address as Chair of the newly constituted University Council, Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha congratulated the Class of 2025 and reaffirmed the Council’s pledge to steer the University with integrity, transparency and foresight. “The Council’s mandate is to safeguard UoN’s vision of transforming society through quality education, impactful research and preparing future leaders for the nation,” he emphasised. He described the day not only as a milestone but as a testament to resilience, innovation and hope.
In his address, the Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, warmly recognised the newly constituted University Council. He reminded them that the real work of steering the institution to greater heights begins now. “The responsibility before you is immense. Strive to lift the University of Nairobi to its rightful glory, ensuring it remains a beacon of knowledge, innovation and societal impact,” he said.
The Chancellor issued a challenge to the Class of 2025: take the lead in Kenya's change. He reminded them of the University of Nairobi's "Big 5" agenda, which includes doubling health and medical innovations, developing and promoting the next generation of digital and green jobs, exporting Kenyan artificial intelligence from Nairobi to the rest of the world and fostering and supporting homegrown leadership.
"This is our strategy to regain the University of Nairobi's position," he declared. "Not only as Africa's best university, but the best worldwide."
This year’s graduation, themed “Empowering Futures for an Innovative and Technologically Driven Society,” underscored the University’s commitment to driving Kenya’s transformation through research, innovation and knowledge dissemination.
The Chancellor’s Court was filled with excitement and pride as the graduands and their families celebrated the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. The event not only highlighted the academic achievements of the graduands but also reaffirmed the University of Nairobi’s place as a premier institution of higher learning in the region.
The 73rd Graduation Ceremony sets yet another landmark in the University’s journey of producing graduates who are not only globally competitive but also socially conscious leaders ready to contribute to national and global development.
