The Open University of Mauritius (OU) awarded diplomas to its students from May 6 to 9, 2024. Over seven sessions, 1,600 students received their diplomas: undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate. The study programs were Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration, MSc Financial Analysis, Master of Public Health in collaboration with Imperial College London and Master of Education, among others.
Undergraduate degrees in English, French, design, communication, law, finance, and education, among others, were also awarded.
The founding Director General of the Open University of Mauritius, Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, in his message to the graduates, explained the role of the university. This made knowledge available to all students. This principle has guided the design of programs that break conventional barriers while ensuring quality and innovation in the curriculum.
“Throughout their studies at the Open University, students have shown that they are much more than just learners. They have been active participants in a journey of intellectual and personal development. They gained not only academic knowledge, but also the critical analysis skills essential to succeed in a complex world. OU graduates are now equipped to bring about positive change and improve communities and industries, while behaving ethically and empathetically,” said Dr KS Sukon.
Guests of honor, including Ms Kate Chamley, High Commissioner of Australia to Mauritius, Dr Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, High Commissioner of South Africa, and Kevin Ramkaloan, CEO of Business Mauritius, congratulated the graduates.
Oskar Benedikt, Ambassador of the European Union to Mauritius and Seychelles, praised the learning opportunities offered by the Open University.
He encouraged the university to further explore the Erasmus+ program for educational opportunities and strengthened partnerships. “I am aware that the Open University of Mauritius has already benefited from the Erasmus + Program. I encourage the university to seize other opportunities offered by this program and to expand its base of European partners,” said Oskar Benedikt.
Oskar Benedikt also emphasized the importance of social commitment and solidarity. He advises graduates to think of those less fortunate and lend a helping hand to those in need.
The closing session of the graduation ceremony hosted Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology, Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, GCSK, and Vimarsh Aryan , Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius.
Students who completed their studies through the e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB) program were awarded certificates. A number of scholarships had been provided by the Indian government. And around 70 graduates received their certificates in hospital administration, NGO management, journalism and mass communication, among others.
The graduates are happy to have completed their studies at the Open University of Mauritius. They overcame the challenges of daily life and honored their multiple commitments at the same time. The new graduates also highlighted OU's support for students. Its very structured mode of operation allowed them to realize their dreams.
