Haramaya University graduated 2883 students on Saturday, September 19, 2020.
Of the total graduates, 615 graduates got their post graduate diploma; 1596 students earned their first degree; 634 students received their second degree; 25 students earned PhD, and 13 students attended medical specialty programs in different fields. Among the graduates, 482 are women.
In the graduation ceremony, it was noted that the university graduated these students passing ups and downs. Among these ups and downs was the challenge of Covid-19. The graduates took their last month courses virtually as COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to conduct regular face-to-face classes.
Prof. Mengistu Urge, Acting Vice-president for Academic Affairs, urged the graduates that the degrees they earned are not the ends of their accomplishments, but the beginnings of their upcoming success. He also notified the graduates that they should fully utilize the skills and knowledge they gained during their stay in Haramaya University for further accomplishments in every walk of their future lives.
Dr. Jemal Yousuf, Haramaya University President, on his part, highlighted that the University major activities of the year. He said, “Haramaya University is working on six research thematic areas to solve public problems in addition to agricultural research with 109 completed projects and 150 in progress in this budget year. Following COVID-19, the University has also initiated 26 projects for the prevention of the spread of the virus of which four (4) have been completed. Dr Jemal, further, noted the legacy of Haramaya University in the prosperity and development of the country by exemplifying former Haramaya University graduates who are now renowned researchers, ambassadors, ministers, and University leaders in and out of the country. Congratulating to graduates for being graduates of this prominent university, Dr Jemal advised the graduates to contribute their share in the development of the country by creating different jobs.
During his congratulatory remark, the honored guest Ato Hussen Fayiso, Administrator of East Hararghe Zone and Deputy Chairman of Haramaya University Board, appreciated the efforts that the University has made so far for increasing its capacity of enrolment and benefiting hundreds of thousands of citizens through community-centered research and extension activities.
The graduation ceremony came to an end with an awards ceremony for students with outstanding academic excellence. As we interviewed some of the graduates, they are ready to serve the community with strong commitment.
