Pomp and Colour as MUST marks 10^th Graduation ceremony

It was all Pomp and Colour as Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) marked the 10^th Graduation Ceremony.  The world is a better place; 1,004 holistically developed graduates equipped with Quality Education and Training joined the global industry on Saturday, 11^th March 2023.

The event was graced by the Chancellor of MUST, Dr. James Mwangi, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Hon. Ezekiel O. Machogu, the Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, the Deputy Governor of Meru County Hon. Rev. Mutuma M’Ethingia, Tigania West Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. John Mutunga, the MUST Council led by the Chairperson, Dr. Jane Wangui Kiringai, former Council Chairperson Prof. Dulacha Galgalo amongst other dignitaries.

The graduation ceremony was special because it coincided with the 10^th anniversary of Meru University of Science and Technology since the Award of Charter on 1^st March 2013.  The highlight of the event was the ceremonial cutting of the 10^th Anniversary cake with the message 10 years of Excellence and also the presentation of the 10^th Anniversary plaque by the Chancellor to P/F No. 001 (Mr. Nephat Njeru, Finance Officer).

Another great highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Award, 2023 to Dr. Joy Nyawira Riungu, Director – Sanitation Research Institute (SRI) for the use of her talents as a researcher, innovator and as an organizer of multidisciplinary teams of experts for the benefit of the country, the continent and the world.  In 2022, Dr. Joy Nyawira Riungu received the IHE Delft 2022 Alumni impact award which recognizes individuals who have made remarkable impact in a water-related field and who are role models for water professionals (https://www.un-ihe.org/news/alumna-dr-joy-nyawira-riungu-kenya-wins-2022-ihe-delft-alumni-award)

The MUST Choir gave an epic performance that lit up the entire audience. Their performance was so electrifying that the CS, Education Hon. Machogu and the rest of the guests got up to dance.

“I congratulate the graduands for their achievement that we are celebrating today.  This marks the culmination of your hard work, focus and dedication of learning and research.  I appreciate the role that the University leadership, staff, parents and guardians have played in nurturing the graduating Class of 2023.  I thank and commend you all for a job well done.  The Kenya Kwanza Administration recognizes the indispensable role of education in transforming the individual, society and the nation.  It is for this very reason that one of the first steps that His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya took was to appoint the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform.  The ultimate goal of this Government is to ensure that the education sector functions optimally and that it responds effectively to the demands of the labour market”, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education.

It was indeed a great day as the Dr. James Mwangi Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre was Officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu.  MUST prides itself of the Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre, a home designed to effectively cater to the needs of researchers and innovators as they work on the much required solutions.  The Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre was established during the University’s first graduation ceremony on 26^th July, 2013. The founding Chancellor, Dr. James Mwangi donated One Hundred Million Kenya shillings (Ksh 100,000,000/=) for the construction of the Ultra-modern Centre. Dr. James Mwangi has been at the forefront to ensure that MUST is competitive in research and innovation.  The Centre is open to not only students but also to young innovators so that they can be nurtured at a very early stage.

“I acknowledge the resilience and hard work of the graduation Class of 2023 whose commitment has brought them this far to realize their dreams and aspirations. We have faith that amongst you is a workforce that will make the theme of this graduation Embracing Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development a reality that will have impact on the lives of our people.  The learning experience at MUST has introduced our graduands to the art of creating new knowledge and innovation, protecting their creations through patenting and commercializing them for income generation.  The magnitude of what you do might look small to you but if all of you do their own part the total sum of your efforts will bring a huge shift in our socio-economic status. As the world focuses on climate change and sustainability, I invite you to get excited at the opportunities that you sieze to make a contribution.  The challenge on you as you leave the gates of this University is how well you put the skils you have acquired to use for the benefit of society and for your own self development”, Dr. James Mwangi, Chancellor, MUST.

In his speech the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, appreciated the graduands for allowing MUST to be part of their dream.

“We are now linked forever. As you open new pages in your life, cherish the memories made in the University but more importantly, uphold the values we have instilled in you; respect, hard work, dedication and selflessness”, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, Ph.D

Hongera to the MUST Class of 2023. We are proud of you!!

Here’s our 10^th Graduation Souvenir Magazine – Enjoy the read: 

In case you missed out on the graduation ceremony, worry not, click on the following links (MUST Facebook and YouTube platforms) and enjoy our 10^th Graduation ceremony and 10^th Anniversary celebration that was marked with pomp and colour.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeruUniversity/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MeruUniversity