CMU-Africa Graduates Charged To Lead with Purpose, Integrity and Innovation

Carnegie Mellon University in Africa(opens in new window) celebrated its 12th graduation ceremony on May 16, honoring graduates from 15 African countries. The event was a vibrant tribute to academic excellence, innovation and the transformative power of world-class education.

CMU-Africa Director Conrad Tucker(opens in new window) encouraged graduates to embrace change and lead with integrity.

"With the world in flux, you must adapt," Tucker said. "Adapt to a fast-changing world, a fast-changing job landscape and a fast-changing perception of the future. We implore you to remain steadfast in your principles and values — hard work, the highest ethical standards and a focus on positive impact in the world."

Marked by heartfelt speeches and bold visions for the future, university leaders, faculty, and graduates reflected on the journey of the Class of 2025 — a cohort shaped by resilience, collaboration and a shared commitment to solving Africa's challenges.

"You are not just graduates of a world-class institution," said Michael Nwankwo, the class valedictorian. "You are architects of Africa's future — engineers of equity, coders of change and analysts of opportunity."

Nwankwo's remarks drew a standing ovation as he urged his peers to embrace leadership not as a title, but as a responsibility. "We are the generation that will redefine what's possible on this continent," he said.

James H. Garrett Jr.,(opens in new window) provost and chief academic officer of Carnegie Mellon University, acknowledged the university's partnership with the Government of Rwanda and emphasized Africa's growing global influence.

“Africa is a vibrant continent, a hub of innovation and growth, and its role on the global stage is becoming ever more significant,” said Garrett. “You — the graduating class of CMU-Africa — are poised to be at the forefront of this exciting future.”

Ambassador Jendayi Frazer, the keynote speaker, challenged graduates to see themselves as co-authors of the future. "Engineers play a role in the global system," Frazer said. "You are the system thinkers — equipped and ready to address today's complexities. The new global system will be co-authored in Africa."

William H. Sanders, dean of the College of Engineering(opens in new window), reminded graduates of their responsibility as leaders in technology and society. 

"Your thoughts, decisions and actions will matter a great deal," Sanders said. "I hope each of you recognizes your potential to serve and have agency in those discussions, based on your skills as intellectual and technology leaders."

Graduates received master's degrees in information technology, electrical and computer engineering, and engineering artificial intelligence. The conferral of degrees was accompanied by distinction awards recognizing outstanding academic and community contributions(opens in new window).