By Talent Gondo- A total of 526 students were conferred with various academic degrees today after completing their studies at Africa University just outside Mutare.

In his speech during the graduation ceremony, the 25th for the university, Africa University Vice Chancellor Professor Munashe Furusa applauded students for overcoming hardships throughout their courses up to yesterday’s graduation ceremony.

“We really want to applaud the graduating students for their resilience in overcoming challenges until this day. We want to that parents, guardians and spouses for supporting the group that is graduating throughout their studies.

“In the past year we have made several achievements as the university aims at to establish a world class university. We prioritise high impact teaching and learning and also invested heavily in leveraging on technology in the advent of ICTs in today’s world,” he said.

Professor Furusa urged the graduating students to be exemplary in their future occupations.

“For all the achievements, we thank the Lord without whom all that was achieved could not have been. We thank the university board for a sterling effort in supporting university initiatives. I want to urge the students to be like the water that refreshes the world

“I want to urge you the graduating students to be like your predecessors who have become movers and shakers in leadership positions across the continent,” he said.

Of the 526 graduands, 54.6 percent are women with a fair share from beyond the country’s borders.

Minister of State for Manicaland Affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, local traditional leaders and several academics from other universities graced the graduation ceremony.-Manica Post