Africa-Press – Mauritius. A cohort of 206 graduates who have successfully completed their respective programmes, received their diploma and degree certificates, today, during a graduation ceremony held at the Paul Octave Wiéhé Auditorium in Réduit.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; as well as other eminent personalities were present on the occasion.
The students who come from different institutions, namely the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Mauritius (UoM); the UoM Trust, and; the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Medical College, graduated in various fields including Biomedical Sciences; Medicine; Nutritional Sciences; Medicine and Surgery; Business Management; Information Technology (IT); Banking and Investment; and Sanitary Science.
In her address, VPM Dookun-Luchoomun congratulated the new graduates and their families as well as the management and staff of the institutions who have helped them all along their journey.
She further stressed on the hard work, efforts, and resilience of the graduates adding that it is a momentous occasion for all of them who now see the fulfillment of what has been consecrated during their learning journey.
She further stated that this gathering signifies more than a combination of years spent in classrooms and lectures but marks a significant milestone in the graduates’ journey and reflects positively a serious commitment to what studies can bring as a reward.
“This convocation also transcends the acquisition of a degree which we have to view as a supreme art of transformation as it marks the transitions from being students to becoming accomplished professionals and potential leaders in your respective fields,” the VPM stated.
Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun highlighted that each of the graduates holds within them the progress of a bright future, carrying the torch of knowledge and expertise that will illuminate the world in diverse and beautiful ways.
Addressing those who have completed their degree in medicine, the VPM underscored that they will be the first to realise that medicine is not only a career, it is a vocation that requires not only intellect but also compassion and empathy and, an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.
“As you go into the world, your decisions will impact lives, so just remember that your knowledge will heal, while your bedside manners and your skills will comfort, and your dedication will bring hope to those who need it the most,” she pointed out.
In addition, VPM Dookun-Luchoomun shared that in this realm that is evolving to the advancement of medical science and technology, the graduates must gear themselves to become apt to face challenges that will probably crop up such as new diseases, and modern treatment methods.
“Your success will be essentially determined by how fast you are able to learn, unlearn, and relearn as well as adapt to innovations,” she said.
Speaking to the graduates of Business Management, Banking and Investment and, the IT Sector, Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun underlined that they will be stepping into a world that is devised with innovation, strategy, and controversies.
The country will need responsive, well-trained, and confident persons who are ready to contribute to the economy and serve society, she added. On this score, Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun reiterated the Government’s vision of empowering the youth to become professionals in different fields.
’’In a world that is increasingly faced with challenges, your knowledge, skills, and expertise are vital to contributing to making Mauritius a knowledge, a medical, and a business hub,’’ she stated.
As for the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the UoM, Professor Sanjeev K. Sobhee, also present on the occasion, he congratulated the graduates on their achievements and for their efforts and perseverance.
“As you cross the threshold within academia and the world of work, you will need to harness certain additional values to those acquired at the University to address the challenges ahead and make you a potential employee that is creative, productive, and responsive,” he pointed out.
The VC further emphasised that the transition from a University student to an employee is not always easy as such transitions require patience, preparedness, and perseverance.
“This is only one milestone in your journey and learning is a lifelong process where there will be different milestones, turning points, and challenges in your life,” he said.
On this score, Professor Sobhee appealed to the students to embrace the lifelong learning culture so as to become more resilient. “Your capacity to adapt and to show the path to others will be the game changer,” he added.
Speaking on the quality of education provided at the UoM, VC Sobhee observed that the UoM has been ranked for the first time in its history in the prestigious world ranking of Universities by Times Higher Education.
“This ranking is now an official attestation for the University as an academic institution with an international benchmark,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Professor indicated that for the year 2023, among some 55,000 recognised Universities in the world, the UoM stands within 1001 and 1200 over 1800 institutions that have been ranked while some more than 500 others did not meet the ranking criteria and added that the academia is ranked 51st in Africa and 19th in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Such achievements bear testimony to the quality of education that is dispensed by the University with the limited resources that we have compared to other Universities,” Professor Sobhee remarked.
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