Haramaya University hosted its 68th graduation ceremony on February 25, 2024, at Afran Kallo Hall, conferring degrees upon more than 600 students during the second round of the ceremony.
The ceremony encompassed students who completed undergraduate, specialty, master’s, and doctoral programs. Seventy-eight graduates attained master’s degrees in health professions, comprising 17 specialties and 6 sub-specialties. In total, 151 of the graduates are women.
The graduation ceremony welcomed distinguished guests including the State Minister of Health, Dr. Ayele Teshome, federal and regional government officials, representatives from neighboring countries’ universities, senior government officials, university officials, elders, Aba Gadaa, alumni families, and other esteemed guests.
Dr. Ahmed Mohommed, Chief Executive Director of Haramaya University’s College of Health and Medical Sciences, highlighted the university’s achievement of educating and graduating over nine thousand students in the field of health and medicine, fulfilling its mission.
In line with strengthening educational diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, Haramaya University admitted 118 students from Somaliland, Puntland, South Sudan, and Djibouti in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
According to Professor Mengistu Urge, the Academic Affairs Vice President and delegate of Haramaya University’s President, the university currently educates over 26,000 students across various fields of study. Among these students, 363 have graduated with a first degree in health, 78 with a second degree, 17 with a specialty, and 6 with a sub-specialty. Additionally, one student has attained a third degree.
Of the total 640 graduating students, 102 specialized in business, public administration, and information technology, with the remainder in medical science.
During the proceedings, it was noted that some graduates transferred from Mekele University to Haramaya University to complete their studies.
The guest of honor, State Minister of Health Dr. Ayele Teshome, highlighted ongoing efforts to provide national-level medical and health services to all citizens, aiming to meet demand and ensure accessibility. He commended Haramaya University for producing educated human resources and emphasized the graduates’ responsibility to fulfill their professional duties.
High-achieving graduates were honored with gold medals and trophies. These accolades were presented by notable figures including State Minister of Health Dr. Ayele Teshome, Haramaya University Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Emana Getu, medical chiropractic expert and Haramaya University board member Dr. Salam Aklilu, Mayor of Maya City and Haramaya University board member Dr. Efrah Wazir, and Harari Regional State Vice President and Haramaya University Hiwot Fana Specialized Teaching Hospital board member Mrs. Roza Umer.
The graduates expressed their eagerness to apply their newly acquired skills in serving their country. Among them, Fenet Ahmed received the gold medal and trophy for exceptional performance, expressing dedication to her profession and sincere service to society. Dr. Rahma Aishum, a urogynecology specialist, commits herself to addressing the healthcare challenges faced by mothers and women.
Source: Haramaya University