The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Post Correspondent
AFRICA University students were urged to invest knowledge and expertise they acquired at the university for the benefit of Africa.
Speaking at this year’s Africa University graduation ceremony last Saturday, managing director for CIMAS Medical Aid Society, Medical Aid Division, Mr Washington Madziwadondo, implored the graduates to take their competence to various industries and sectors and make a difference.
“This is what they meant when they told you that they were building you to be the game-changers of the industry. “Remember, you were trained for the whole of Africa and your qualification grants you global competence over other graduates from other institutions. “There is therefore an expectation from your various countries for you to take this competence to the various industries and sectors of your national economies, to cultivate your training, knowledge and expertise for Africa’s benefit.
“Remember, you are not only a graduate with one more qualification, you are a leader because you have been trained to be one. “Your training, grounding and qualification from this institution all contribute to form an amazing human being with an incredible potential. Africa University built you to stand up tall and lead,” he said.
He added: “Should you be fortunate enough to receive an amazing job opportunity or you are already currently employed, always remember, today’s achievement is not about guaranteeing you employment security at your job, if anything, it is about being relevant. “Africa University builds God-fearing men and women, trendsetters, professionals, change makers, leaders of integrity, history-makers, the list is endless. “The manner in which you were trained should reflect and should command well-renowned, established institutions headhunting you because they need you on their team. This is what they meant when they told you they were building you to be the game-changers of the industry.
“Remember, you were trained for the whole of Africa, and your qualification grants you global competence over other graduates from other institutions. “There is therefore an expectation from your various countries for you to take this competence to the various industries and sectors of your national economies, to cultivate your training, knowledge and expertise for Africa’s benefit.
“I encourage you to keep learning. If this is your first degree, remember to go back for your second and even third degree. “Always remember the words of wisdom from Benjamin Franklin: ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’. “Education is priceless. Continue to be curious so that you can keep learning.”
The graduation saw more than 700 undergraduate and postgraduate students representing 24 different nationalities being capped before they were immediately inducted into the Africa University Alumni Association.
Former The Manica Post intern, Kudakwashe Mellisa Kapesa, stole the thunder after she received several prizes for becoming the overall best undergraduate student with a cumulative grade points average (CGPA) of 3,92. Among other notable guests were Africa University chancellor, Bishop David Yemba, chairman of Africa University’s Board of Directors, Bishop Marcus Mathews and acting Chief Mutasa.
The institution now constitutes of more than 8 000 people in the alumni from across the country.
