The Governor of Hadhramout, Mr. Salem Ahmed Al-Khanbashi, attended today in Mukalla the official graduation ceremony organized by Hadhramout University to celebrate the 27th cohort of graduates for the academic year 2024/2025. The ceremony honored 2,124 graduates from various colleges and disciplines, along with the top achievers and honor students.
The event, held at Dr. Ali Hood Ba-Abbad Hall at the university headquarters, featured a keynote address by Governor Al-Khanbashi, who affirmed that the local authority in Hadhramout gives full priority to the education sector, including higher, general, and vocational education.
The Governor highlighted the university’s historical legacy and its successive achievements in higher education and scientific research, its advancement in global rankings, and its distinguished position among national universities. He also praised the university’s success in building strong international partnerships, particularly the recent fruitful visits to the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation, which resulted in signing scientific and cultural cooperation agreements.
Governor Al-Khanbashi noted that the university today encompasses numerous colleges in applied and human sciences. He expressed pride that the speech on behalf of the graduates was delivered by a student from the first cohort of the College of Education in Doan District, hoping this would be the foundation for establishing Doan University in the future. He also extended condolences to the family of the late Dr. Abdulrahman Mohammed Bamataraf, who previously served as President of Hadhramout University.
Congratulating the graduates, the Governor stated:
“Today, you are young men and women armed with knowledge and science. You are the fuel for the next stage, and upon your shoulders rests the responsibility of building Hadhramout and the nation.”
He also addressed the challenges facing the governorate, acknowledging the difficulties that have affected people’s lives and services. He assured that since his appointment, he has exerted all efforts to resolve the crisis and restore stability and tranquility, thanking all those who support efforts to overcome these challenges.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Shura Council, the Secretary-General of the Local Council, Mr. Saleh Aboud Al-Amqi, and other dignitaries.
In his speech, Prof.Dr. Mohamed Saeed Khanbash, President of Hadhramout University, emphasized the significance of celebrating the 27th cohort of Bachelor’s graduates, the 22nd cohort of Master’s graduates, and the 6th cohort of Doctoral graduates, totaling 2,312 graduates. He noted that the cumulative number of graduates since the university’s establishment has reached 47,545, including 1,380 postgraduate degree holders.
Dr. Khanbash expressed pride in the graduation of 153 female students from the College of Education branch in Doan District, marking the success of the Girls’ Education in Rural Areas Program, funded by Silah Foundation and Al-Awn Foundation for Development.
He highlighted the university’s sustained position in the QS World University Rankings, reflecting its academic and research excellence, and pointed to recent scientific activities, including the launch of the first Entrepreneurship Hackathon and the Fourth Scientific Research Week, affirming that research remains central to the university’s developmental path. He also announced that the university will host an Academic Development Week later this month.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Khanbash stressed that their degrees symbolize determination and enlightened minds, urging them to harness their knowledge for community service and national development.
In the graduates’ speech, delivered by Lulu Ali Ba-Abdullah, she expressed pride and gratitude for graduating from Hadhramout University, representing a cohort that believes excellence is an ongoing journey. She noted that she came from Doan as part of the first group of 153 rural female graduates, affirming that the university stands as a beacon of enlightenment and education.
The ceremony featured poetic and artistic performances celebrating the occasion and concluded with honoring top achievers and honor students.
The event was attended by university vice presidents, the Secretary-General, college deans, heads of academic departments, faculty members, supporting institutions, notable figures, and graduates’ families.