The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) celebrated its 9th Convocation Ceremony on Wednesday at the institution’s Conference Hall. Graduands, faculty, alumni, and guests gathered to mark the academic achievements of the Ccohort 11 reflect on the university’s expanding role in science and technology.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Maulilio Kipanyula, officiating the ceremony, underscored NM-AIST’s commitment to excellence through its distinctive 5D Institutional Model Discovery, Development, Diffusion, Deployment, and Direct Impact. “This model ensures that knowledge generated at NM-AIST moves beyond classrooms to solve real-world challenges across Tanzania and the world,” he said.

Prof. Kipanyula highlighted the university’s success in training solution-oriented scientists equipped to tackle pressing issues such as food security, water scarcity, energy needs, health, and climate change. He praised the university’s researchers and alumni for their innovative contributions and patentable technologies influencing both national and global scientific communities.

Addressing the graduating class, the Vice Chancellor urged students to view their degrees as a call to serve society with integrity and purpose. “Let your work uplift others. Let your research speak truth to power,” he challenged the graduands, encouraging them to be leaders anchored in ethical values.

The ceremony also included the presentation of certificates and awards to the best-performing students in recognition of their academic excellence. In closing remarks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Anthony Mshandete, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to pursue innovation with ethical leadership. Quoting Nelson Mandela, Prof. Mshandete reminded attendees that, “Education is not for personal gain alone, but for the betterment of society.” The convocation concluded with a call for the new graduates to lead with vision, purpose, and dedication.