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| As graduates reflected on their academic journeys, many acknowledged the challenges they had faced. Photo: Courtesy |
By
Adonis Byemelwa
Morogoro--The
44th Graduation Ceremony of the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) took
place yesterday, October 17, 2024, at the Edward Moringe Campus in Morogoro,
marking a remarkable milestone for one of Tanzania’s most prestigious
institutions. With over 30,000 students receiving degrees and certificates, the
event, led by SUA's Chancellor (Rtd.) Justice Joseph Sinde Warioba was a
testament to the university’s role in shaping the nation’s future workforce.
The
ceremony also highlighted a historic achievement for gender representation,
with 46% of this year’s graduates being women. The milestone underscores the
growing impact of higher education in empowering women across Tanzania, a trend
that drew applause from attendees.
Judge
(Rtd.) Othman Chande, the Chairperson of SUA’s University Council, continued
efforts to produce industry-ready graduates and foster national development.
"This university remains committed to excellence in education and
practical training, ensuring its students contribute meaningfully to the
country’s growth," he said.
Graduates,
including those in critical fields like agriculture, engineering, and molecular
biology, were urged to carry the torch of innovation and drive progress in
their respective fields. The university, which has revamped more than 74
programs to keep pace with global trends, continues to lead the charge in
science, technology, and research-driven education.
During
the ceremony, the chair of SUA's Academic Committee, Prof. Pili Sibuga, touched
on the global tradition of academic regalia, tracing its origins back to 1912
in Europe. She explained that undergraduate students wear four-cornered caps
with a single tassel on the right side, while postgraduate students, including
PhD candidates, wear circular caps, symbolizing the completion of the academic
journey. The gowns, adorned with colorful stoles, represent the student’s
specific field of study.
The
university’s commitment to gender inclusivity was also evident, as 46% of this
year’s 3061 graduates were women. Judge (Rtd.) Othman Chande hailed this
development as a positive indicator of progress. “This is a major stride in
uplifting women in higher education,” Judge Chande noted, drawing applause from
attendees. This marked a significant shift from previous years when women's
participation in tertiary education was much lower, signaling a growing
movement towards gender equality in academia.
SUA’s
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Chibunda, highlighted the university’s efforts
to address key challenges, particularly water scarcity, through strategic
projects such as the acquisition of a well drilling rig. The rig, secured under
the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, will not only
help mitigate water shortages but will also serve as a training tool for
students.
"This rig will improve water availability
on campus, particularly for training farms, and will enhance practical
instruction for students in well drilling and irrigation practices,” Prof.
Chibunda explained, expressing gratitude for the government's continued support
under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Prof.
Chibunda also outlined the university’s efforts to regularly update its
curriculum in response to scientific and technological advancements.
Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Education, SUA has revised over 999
programs, with 81 receiving official approval.
He
noted the recent accreditation of SUA’s Molecular Biology Department by an
expert panel from Germany, which now positions the department as
internationally recognized across Europe. These strides, he added, are a
testament to the government’s push to improve the quality of higher education
in Tanzania.
As
graduates reflected on their academic journeys, many acknowledged the
challenges they had faced. Frank Sambo, a graduate in Animal Science, expressed
his relief at completing his degree. “It wasn’t an easy journey, but I’m
thankful for the encouragement from my lecturers and the support of my peers,”
Sambo remarked. However, he shared concerns about the current job market in
Tanzania, which remains a source of anxiety for many graduates.
On
the other hand, Gharib Abdulla Ibrahim, who earned his master’s degree in
Molecular Biology, offered a more optimistic perspective. Already employed by
the government, Ibrahim noted that his further education would likely lead to
career advancement. “I came back to enhance my knowledge, and I’m just waiting
for the formal recognition that will allow me to move up the ladder,” he said
confidently.
The
ceremony also paid tribute to the late Prof. Damian Gabagambi, a long-serving
lecturer at SUA. His son, Jerry Gabagambi, graduated with a degree in
Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, the very field his father had taught
for years before being appointed Director General of the National Development
Corporation by the late President John Magufuli.
Jerry,
reflecting on his father’s legacy, noted that his academic success was rooted
in his father’s values of hard work and humility. “I always aspired to follow
in my father's footsteps. His advice to be humble and inquisitive has shaped my
academic journey,” Jerry remarked, adding that his goal is to either continue
in academia or pursue opportunities outside the university.
With
over 74 academic programs, SUA continues to play a vital role in Tanzania’s
higher education landscape. This year alone, the university awarded 25 doctoral
degrees, 65 master’s degrees, and thousands of undergraduate qualifications.
The institution remains focused on practical, hands-on training to ensure that
its graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the job market.
SUA's
recent developments align with the country’s national development agenda,
particularly in advancing science, technology, and innovation. Looking ahead,
the university aims to maintain its focus on effective teaching methods while
strengthening its financial management practices. Although specific details on
SUA's revenue were not disclosed, sources indicate that the university’s
financial systems have been improving.
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| Jerry Gabagambi celebrates his graduation in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness with his mother, Dr. Esther Gabagambi and family, honoring his late father's legacy. Photo: Judith Gabagambi |
The
future looks promising for SUA’s graduates, many of whom are expected to
significantly contribute to Tanzania’s growth in sectors such as agriculture,
engineering, and beyond. With a strong focus on practical training and
research-driven education, Sokoine University of Agriculture is well-positioned
to remain a leader in the country’s academic and professional landscape.
Among
the distinguished guests present at the ceremony was Mozambique's Ambassador to
Tanzania, His Excellency Ricardo Mtumbuida, who enjoyed a spirited freedom song
performed by the brass band. Other notable figures in attendance included
Morogoro District Commissioner Mussa Kilakala, as well as former vice-chancellors
and representatives from neighboring universities.
In
a noteworthy regional connection, 75% of this year's PhD graduates hailed from
countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia, underscoring SUA’s growing
influence across East Africa and beyond. The presence of high-ranking
dignitaries reflected the university's importance as a hub of academic
excellence and its contributions to fostering regional collaboration and
development.