PAUSTI Celebrates 11th Graduation, Advancing Africa's Scientific Talent
The Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) marked another milestone in African higher education with its 11th graduation ceremony, held jointly with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on November 29, 2024, in Juja, Kenya.
Twenty-two scholars from 14 African nations received advanced degrees during the ceremony, comprising 10 PhDs and 12 master's degrees. The graduation, emphasizing research and innovation for sustainable development, highlighted PAUSTI's commitment to nurturing Africa's next generation of scientific leaders.
The ceremony was particularly notable for its representation across the continent, with graduates hailing from countries spanning from West Africa's Sierra Leone to East Africa's Ethiopia. Kenya led with the highest number of graduates at five, followed by several countries including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Niger, each with two graduates.
This November graduation follows a larger ceremony in June 2024, where PAUSTI celebrated 100 graduates, bringing the institution's total alumni count to 685 since its inception. This growing network of highly skilled professionals represents a significant contribution to Africa's scientific and technological advancement.
Speaking at the event, Professor Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, emphasized the institution's alignment with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which envisions a self-sustaining Africa driven by innovation. She acknowledged the important support from the host country Kenya, African Union member states, the African Development Bank, and JKUAT in making PAUSTI's mission possible.
While the gender distribution showed room for improvement, with only three female graduates among the 22 recipients, PAUSTI's overall impact in developing Africa's scientific capacity remains significant. The institution continues to serve as a crucial hub for advanced scientific education and research, preparing graduates to address the continent's technological and developmental challenges.
For further information, please contact:
Ms Claudette Chancelle BILAMPASSI MOUTSATSI | ESTI Department- Pan African University | African Union Commission | E-mail: BilampassiC@africa-union.org | Tel: +251 11 518 2014/ +251 11 5182518 |
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia