Thank you, CMU-Africa

Exactly a month ago, I had the immense honour of graduating from Carnegie Mellon University Africa 美国卡内基梅隆大学 with a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. It was an exhilarating journey brimming with unforgettable experiences. I am deeply grateful to God almighty, the entire staff, faculty, and fellow students who made this adventure remarkable. I also want to thank the Government of Rwanda and the MasterCard Foundation for providing the funding and a conducive environment for me and my colleagues.

Beyond the countless lessons learned, I am particularly thankful for the opportunity to experience Africa through the rich conversations and interactions with its future leaders. Every person I met added to this incredible journey, and I am excited about what lies ahead.

Huge congratulations to the Class of 2024!

I want to share the powerful words from our esteemed faculty and guests who inspired us on this special day:

Dr Conrad Tucker Director, CMU Africa

"Your time in CMU Africa has been nothing short of transformative. You have a head start into global impact. Do not take this for granted. Your education has been beyond just diversity; it has been about excellence. Commit, because it takes commitment. Commit to making a difference."

Dr. William H. Sanders , Dean, College of Engineering

"I am excited about your future; you are going to change the world!"

Hon. Gaspard Twagirayezu , Minister of Education, Government of Rwanda

"Continue to dedicate yourselves to hard work and strive for excellence. This is how we drive our continent forward and achieve lasting progress."

Chukwuemeka Nkama , Valedictorian

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." - John Wesley

Dr. James H. Garrett , Provost and Chief Academic Officer at CMU

"The world needs hard workers, lifelong learners, problem solvers—people just like you. Go out into this world with many problems and challenges and make a difference."

Keynote by Amrote Abdella

General Manager Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon Web Services

"Architects of tomorrow, pioneers of innovation, and future leaders of the tech and engineering world—you’re not just entering an industry, but a new era, revolutionizing industries, transforming economies, and connecting us in ways once deemed unimaginable. At the heart of this technological revolution lies innovation. The 21st century will be defined not by oil or gold but by the power of compute.

Never underestimate the impact you can make. Amidst the data-driven frenzy, don’t forget the human elements. For all its computational prowess, technology is nothing without empathy, without understanding the needs of those it serves. Innovation does not lie in Silicon Valley alone but in each one of you. You have the power to shape, to defy expectations, and to live. Strive not just to innovate, but to inspire.

The road ahead may be filled with challenges, but do not be deterred. It is in those moments of adversity that your true strength will shine brightest. It is in those moments of uncertainty that your resilience will be tested, and it is in those moments of fear that your courage will prevail."

Nuggets of Wisdom:

• Work hard, work smart—very hard. Grit and hard work are the keys to success.
• Embrace failure. Fail fast, fail forward.
• Stay curious—stay hungry for knowledge and keep learning.
• Surround yourself with people who lift and challenge you. Create an advisory board/career board of directors.
• Take risks. Fortune favors the bold; don’t limit yourself.
• Stay humble. No matter how high you climb, always remember you did not get here by yourself.
• Say yes—to opportunities and be ready to change.
• Be an agent of change, not just for yourself but for those who will come after you.
• Be kind. Be empathetic. Be kind to those around you.
• Remember to laugh. Nothing is ever that serious, and nothing lasts forever, so make sure you laugh and enjoy the moment.

The last nugget above is speaking to me directly, telling me to manifest my name (Isaac, derived from the Hebrew ??????? Yitzhak - "one who laughs, one who rejoices") always??

The world is at your fingertips. Go forth knowing you are equipped to succeed, and never stop striving for excellence.

Full graduation Video

#TartanProud #Africa #CMUAfrica #Rwanda #Graduation #Nigeria