Nairobi, Kenya - The Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) held its 12th graduation ceremony on Friday, June 27, at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), conferring degrees upon 77 graduates from 28 African countries. The ceremony marked the awarding of 23 doctoral degrees and 54 master’s degrees across programs in molecular biology, biotechnology, mathematics, and engineering disciplines.

Addressing the graduates, PAU Rector Prof. Jean Koulidiati praised their transition “from being knowledge receivers to knowledge producers and solution providers” as they joined PAUSTI’s growing alumni network of 739. He emphasized that graduation was not only a personal milestone, but also “a victory for Africa’s collective future” and a step toward achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The cohort reflected the diversity and continental reach of PAUSTI, with Kenya contributing the highest number of graduates (10), followed by Ghana (8) and Sudan (6). This diversity underscores PAUSTI’s role as a Pan-African institution dedicated to addressing shared developmental challenges through science, innovation, and collaboration.

Several student research projects showcased the practical impact of PAUSTI’s academic programs. For example, Ouattara Oumou from Mali developed enhanced Hepatitis B vaccines using adjuvant combinations aimed at reducing the disease burden across Africa. Her research is advancing toward clinical trials. Lydiah Aywa from Kenya created a fault detection system for manufacturing industries to prevent catastrophic equipment failures, an innovation with the potential to transform industrial safety across the continent.

In the field of mathematics, 12 students graduated with specializations in computational mathematics, statistics, and financial mathematics. The engineering programs produced 32 graduates, with expertise ranging from power systems to transportation technologies. Many graduates expressed their intention to pursue further academic research or apply their skills within public policy and industry sectors.

Prof. Koulidiati acknowledged the support of key institutional partners that sustain PAUSTI’s mission, including the African Union Commission, the Government of Kenya, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB). He affirmed that such partnerships have enabled PAUSTI to grow into “a beacon of excellence in postgraduate education” over the course of twelve graduation cycles.

Prof. Losenge Turop, Acting Director of PAUSTI, highlighted the institute’s strong completion rates, with most students graduating within the standard two-year (Master’s) and three-year (PhD) timelines. He noted that this achievement contributes to broader continental goals, calling the event “another milestone towards achievement of Agenda 2063,” and encouraged graduates to use their expertise to foster socio-economic and political development in their home countries.

The event concluded with a stirring message from Prof. Koulidiati urging the graduates to “become not just consumers of global solutions, but creators of homegrown innovations tailored to our continent’s realities.” He reminded them that as beneficiaries of a Pan-African vision, their efforts should embody “the unity, ambition, and creativity that Africa desperately needs.”

Hosted at JKUAT, PAUSTI is one of the five hubs of the Pan African University, a continental initiative of the African Union focused on advanced training and research in key development areas.