ENGAGE Project Graduates 240 Students Across Six Universities in Hybrid Ceremony Hosted at Meru University

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted a colourful hybrid graduationceremony for the ENGAGE (Enabling Girls in AI and Growing Expertise) project on 5 December 2025 at the Innovation Boardroom. The event marked a significant milestone in empowering girls and young women with cutting-edge skills in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Public Health. The ceremony was hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Romanus

Odhiambo, who reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting STEM education and creating inclusive opportunities for young women. He applauded the ENGAGE partners and trainers for their dedication and congratulated the graduands for their resilience and hard work throughout the intensive training.

The University was honoured to welcome several high-profile guests. Dr. Samuel Ngaruiya, representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, underscored the importance of digital skills and AI in advancing Kenya’s education and development agenda. Mrs. Beatrice Macharia, representing the CEO of CEMASTEA, highlighted the alignment of the ENGAGE project with national efforts to strengthen Competency-Based Education and teacher capacity in STEM. The ENGAGE Project Principal Investigator, Prof. Julius Oyugi, appreciated Meru University of Science & Technology and all partner universities for their strong support in implementing the programme.

In total, 240 students graduated from six universities, with 120 students completing Tier 1(high school) and 60 students completing Tier 2 (diploma students) & 3 (degree students) training. While Meru University hosted the physical event, the ceremony was streamed live via Zoom to the other five participating universities, allowing all institutions to celebrate together in real time. A special highlight of the programme was the sharing of testimonies by ENGAGE beneficiaries. Each institution nominated two students to speak about their experiences in the training, their personal and academic growth, and life at their respective universities. Their stories reflected increased confidence, stronger technical skills, and a clearer vision for future careers in AI, data science, and public health.

All graduands were formally issued with certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the training. The ceremony concluded with a call to the graduates to serve as ambassadors of ENGAGE, to mentor other girls and young women, and to use their newly acquired skills to drive positive change in their communities.

Meru University of Science and Technology is proud to be part of the ENGAGE consortium and remains committed to advancing opportunities for girls and young women in STEM, AI, and data-driven public health solutions.