In first IIT Madras Zanzibar campus convocation, 16 students graduate

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Zanzibar campus held its first-ever degree distribution ceremony for the outgoing batch of 2025. The convocation ceremony was held at the Bweleo campus and marked the inaugural batch of the Master of Technology (MTech) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme (2023-25).

Out of the 16 graduates of the programme, nine attended IITM Zanzibar’s first graduation in-person, while the others opted to receive their degrees via mail. The campus director, Preeti Aghalayam, applauded the “grit and focus” of the students for completing the 190-credit curriculum of the MTech course.

All the graduates at the Africa campus virtually attended the 62nd convocation ceremony of IIT Madras. The ceremony symbolised ‘two campuses, one spirit’ - “united in their commitment to excellence, innovation, and cross-border collaboration”, said an official statement.

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IIT Madras Zanzibar: Progress

AK Suresh, vice president for academic affairs, praised the IIT Madras Africa campus for its “rapid” progress, highlighting the delivery of more than 50 advanced courses since its inception in 2023.

IIT Madras Zanzibar director, V Kamakoti, said, “IIT Madras Zanzibar has strengthened its position as an eminent international campus in the last year. The second batch of students was onboarded into the Bachelor of Science by research (BS) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, MTech Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and MTech Ocean Structures programmes in October 2024. The campus is now home to 105 students, with 30% women. More than 50 courses have been delivered in the Zanzibar campus.”

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Lela Mohamed Mussa, Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Zanzibar, presided as the chief guest at the IIT Madras ceremony. Mohammed Sheikh, chair of the IITMZ governing council was also present. Graduate representative Ahmed Silima expressed gratitude to both Indian and Zanzibar governments.