Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has urged university graduates to move beyond academic achievement and use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to address real-world challenges.
Speaking on Friday, September 18, 2026, during the University of Nairobi’s 75th graduation, Ogamba challenged the Class of 2026 to make practical use of their education as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
“Your greatest advantage will not be what you memorised, but your ability to think critically, adapt, and apply knowledge to real-world problems,” Ogamba told the graduands.
He urged the graduates to embrace innovation and problem-solving, emphasising that the value of their education would increasingly be measured by their ability to create solutions that respond to the needs of society.
“Time to turn knowledge into solutions,” the Cabinet Secretary said, underscoring the importance of translating academic knowledge into practical impact.
The graduation ceremony brought together more than 3,000 graduands, including international students and more than 70 PhD graduands, as the University celebrated another milestone in its long history of producing professionals and contributing to national development.
The congregation was declared open by the University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Prof Ayub Gitau, who highlighted the institution’s growing presence on the global stage.
Gitau pointed to the university’s performance in international rankings and its participation in global events as some of the achievements reflecting its contribution to research, innovation and higher education.
He also recognised outstanding researchers and students who have won awards and received recognition on different international platforms.
Congratulating the Class of 2026, the Vice Chancellor reminded the graduates that they were joining a large and distinguished community of University of Nairobi alumni.
“Over the decades, more than 300,000 alumni have carried the name of this University into medicine, law, engineering, agriculture, real estate, health, business, education, science, public service and other fields. Today, the Class of 2026 joins that distinguished tradition,” Gitau said.
He said the University’s graduation theme, “Transforming Society through Excellence, Knowledge and Innovation,” reflected both the institution’s responsibility and its ambition.
The theme also set the tone for the ceremony, with speakers calling on graduates to use their education to contribute meaningfully to society rather than viewing graduation as the end of their learning journey.
UoN Council Chairperson Chacha Nyaigotti Chacha similarly challenged the graduands to maintain the standards of excellence cultivated during their time at the University.
Addressing the Class of 2026, Chacha urged the graduates to carry forward a culture of excellence and make it their personal standard wherever their careers and ambitions take them.
“Go forth, make a difference, and let excellence speak for you,” he told the graduates.
The ceremony was presided over by University of Nairobi Chancellor Prof Patrick Verkooijen, with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba serving as the Chief Guest.
University leadership, government officials, faculty members, students, families, alumni and other stakeholders attended the landmark occasion.
The 75th Congregation comes as the University of Nairobi marks 70 years of transforming lives through knowledge and contributing to Kenya’s development.
