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Mount Meru University produces first batch of graduates
by Valentine Marc Nkwame The new Mount Meru University (MMU) has produced its first batch of graduates since acquiring the highest academic status in the country. Formerly known as the International Baptist Theological Seminary of East Africa (IBTSEA), the university’s last week graduation ceremony was a landside one, despite being the first, with a total of 121 graduates in various honours. Overall it was also the 30th graduation ceremony since the institution was established about 40 years ago. Mount Meru University is located in Ngaramtoni area of Arumeru district. The university offers different programmes including Theology, Education and other programmes covering a English proficiency, Typing and Computer Studies and Sewing. A total of 22 students, all from Tanzania, were awarded with Certificates in Theology, 11 graduates form Kenya and Tanzania were awarded with Bachelors in Ministry and six students from DRC, Kenya and Tanzania acquired their Bachelors in Christian Education. The rest received Certificates in English, Computer Studies, Literature, Theology, Sewing, Women Programme, Christian Education, the Bible and Christian Ministry. The MMU Vice Chancellor, Dr. Harrison G. Olang said the university is soon going to establish business and economic studies plus adding Masters degree accreditation for Theological studies. He pointed out that only about 0.9 per cent of the entire population of over 35 million Tanzanians have received university education, calling upon other institutions, especially the church owned organizations, to invest in education but especially higher learning. The Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, Dr. John Kimole called MMU a "Child of our heritage" born to be centre of excellence through training research and consultancy. US-based, Baptist Minister, Dr. Will J. Robert preached a sermon during the preceding mass which was also graced by the popular Upendo choir from St. James Anglian Parish.
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