By C, KNA
Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) on Friday held its 19th graduation ceremony, releasing 638 graduates into the job market as Chancellor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o and Vice-Chancellor Prof Hazel Mumbo outlined sweeping reforms, new partnerships, and an expanding academic footprint.
The graduating class included 8 PhD holders, 12 master’s graduates, 498 bachelor’s degree recipients, 80 diploma students, and 39 certificate holders.
Prof Nyong’o said the institution had undergone remarkable transformations over the past year, projecting confidence in what he described as a university on a forward march.
“It has been a year of purpose, progress, and powerful momentum,” he told the gathering. “We have strengthened our foundations, renewed our facilities, and expanded our academic and community footprint.”
The Chancellor said both the main and Milimani campuses had undergone major upgrades, including improved walkways, greener spaces, and renovated buildings, with more infrastructure projects underway.
He highlighted the newly remodelled university gate and the nearly completed football and sports field expected to host regional tournaments.
Prof Nyong’o added that GLUK was increasingly positioning itself as a leader in environmental stewardship through tree-planting, improved landscaping, water conservation, and renewable energy adoption.
On academics, he said several programmes had been reviewed to align with global trends, resulting in increased enrolment, while new courses had been proposed in community health, development, business, technology, and international relations.
The Chancellor also celebrated GLUK’s recognition by the African Academy of Sciences as Kenya’s top university in community health and development education for 2025.
“This award affirms our commitment to excellence in our founding mission,” he said.
He praised students for excelling in cultural, academic, and sports events, and urged graduates to embrace integrity, resilience, innovation, and community service.
“Whatever you do today lays the foundation for your tomorrow. Walk proudly and walk with purpose,” he charged them.
Prof Nyong’o also announced he would donate his personal book collection to the university for use in a dedicated Africana section once space is prepared.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Hazel Mumbo said the graduation marked a milestone in a year defined by growth, renewed infrastructure, and global engagement.
Just this month, she said, GLUK was recognised in Kigali for being Kenya’s best university in community health and development—a validation of its long-standing focus on community-driven education.
“Our vision of becoming a centre of excellence in education, research, and community service is taking firmer shape,” she said.
The VC highlighted a month-long international research internship that brought students from 10 African countries to GLUK, as well as new partnerships with counties including Elgeyo Marakwet, Wajir, Tana River, Mandera, Machakos, and Nairobi.
She said GLUK had issued certificates to community health workers from Kibera who had undergone training at the university.
Prof Mumbo outlined major campus improvements including the near-completion of a long-stalled building previously known as “Fort Jesus,” which is being transformed into the Chandaria Innovation Centre of Science and Technology with support from the Chandaria Foundation.
The facility, she said, will host specialised laboratories, a modern library, innovation hubs, digital learning resources, and a community of practice centre.
“This is the intellectual heart of our university—a space where ideas meet innovation,” she said.
GLUK, she added, has also strengthened partnerships with Red Cross, KIPPRA, and regional universities in Somalia, Burundi, DRC, Sudan, and Ethiopia, among others.
Prof Mumbo said the university was pursuing major European Union (EU) and Horizon Europe research collaborations that could attract up to half a billion shillings if successful.
The VC lauded parents and guardians for their support and urged graduates to carry forward GLUK’s values of service, innovation, and ethical leadership.
“Let your education be the light that illuminates not only your path, but also the paths of others,” she told them.