By: Fatou Krubally
The American International University, West Africa (AIUWA) on Saturday hosted its 9th graduation ceremony, awarding degrees and diplomas to 295 graduates from 15 diverse programs.
The event, held at the AIUWA Health Science Campus, marked a milestone of academic excellence and growth for the institution.
In his first graduation speech as acting vice chancellor, Prof. Nwele J. Obasi emphasized the university’s commitment to quality assurance and academic excellence. “AIUWA remains a trusted partner in higher education,” he said. “At this level, you don’t need pity anymore you have the power to rise high and achieve great things,” he told the graduates.
The chancellor and founding president, Dr. Denish Shukla, expressed deep gratitude to President Adama Barrow and the government for their support. He highlighted the impressive employability of AIUWA graduates. “We are proud that 86 percent of our graduates secure employment within 60 days not just in The Gambia but across the region,” he said.
He also announced that AIUWA is expanding its academic offerings, including 10 new courses in partnership with the police force, a new bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, and six new master’s programs. “We want our students to serve their communities and be part of the solution,” he added.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Vice President, the Minister of Trade, Babucarr Joof, commended AIUWA for its diversity and contribution to national development. “These institutions are not just centres of learning; they are incubators of talent and drivers of progress,” he said.
Dr. Sankung Jorbarteh, representing the Pharmacy Council, delivered an inspiring address to pharmacy graduates, encouraging them to embrace hard work and consistency. “An associate degree is the best decision you could ever make,” he said. “Your commitment, dedication, and perseverance are the keys to success. Stay consistent and exercise discipline to reach the heights you desire.”
Student Union President Sulayman Sanneh reflected on the institution’s growth. “We started with six students, and now we have nearly 2,000. Each year, we continue to contribute to the development of our country,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from AIUWA to continue empowering graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values to transform societies and build a brighter future.