There was joy, pomp and colour at Lugari Diploma Teachers Training College as 117 teacher trainees graduated with diplomas in education, marking another milestone in the institution’s journey of preparing educators to shape the future of the country.

The college’s 9th graduation ceremony, held in Lugari Sub-County, brought together education officials, government representatives, the Board of Management (BOM), parents and other distinguished stakeholders. The event was presided over by Mr Yusuf Karayu, Head of Directorate at the Ministry of Education.

Addressing the graduates, Mr Karayu congratulated them on their achievement, describing the occasion as a celebration of hard work, commitment and the beginning of an important responsibility in society.

He commended the college’s Board of Management and administration for extending the invitation and providing stable leadership, noting that the institution continued to make its mark in teacher training.

“Today, I am delighted to share in the joy of witnessing 117 teacher trainees receive their diplomas in education. Congratulations on this achievement,” he said.

He challenged the graduates to become worthy ambassadors of Lugari, reminding them that their responsibility went beyond the classroom to include upholding professional values, integrity and service to humanity.

However, even as he celebrated the college’s growing reputation, Mr Karayu expressed concern over its infrastructure, describing the situation as a major challenge that needed urgent attention.

He revealed that the Ministry of Education had disbursed KSh100 million towards infrastructure upgrading, expressing optimism that the investment would help improve the learning and training environment.

Mr Karayu also challenged Parliament to consider extending Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) support to teacher trainees in diploma colleges, just like their counterparts in universities, TVET institutions and KMTC.

He argued that such support would make teacher training more accessible and attract more students to the colleges.

College Chief Principal Mrs Anne Esese described the graduation as a proud moment for the institution, thanking the graduates for their determination and hard work throughout their training.

She reminded them that the diplomas they received carried a responsibility to transform lives through education.

“We place great honour and responsibility in your hands. The certificate you receive today represents your dedication, but it also symbolises the responsibility to shape lives. Go out and become educators who inspire, empower and elevate others,” she said.

Mrs Esese urged the graduates to lead by example and carry the spirit of Lugari wherever their professional journeys take them.

She also applauded the Board of Management, led by Prof. Lydiah Wamocha, for providing effective leadership and working closely with the college administration.

The Chief Principal further appreciated the Ministry of Education for supporting infrastructure development, particularly Phase One of the practical training project, whose first floor has so far been completed.

She also highlighted the establishment of National Mediation Training, revealing that seven members of the college had undergone mediation training, an initiative expected to strengthen conflict resolution and institutional leadership.

For BOM Chairperson Prof. Lydiah Wamocha, the ceremony was another opportunity to celebrate the college’s progress while challenging the new graduates to embrace the future with confidence.

She thanked the guests and stakeholders for honouring the institution’s invitation, attributing its strong performance in Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examinations since 2018 to sustained support from the Ministry of Education and the Government.

Prof. Wamocha urged the graduates to carry the torch of knowledge and compassion into the communities they would serve.

She challenged them not to view the diploma as the final destination but rather a stepping stone to greater academic and professional achievements.

“Be adaptable and innovative. The education landscape is evolving, and you must be ready to add value. You hold the key to transforming lives,” she told the graduates.

The celebrations also received a major boost from Lugari Member of Parliament Hon. Nabii Nabwera, who praised the college’s leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to improving its infrastructure.

While describing Lugari Diploma Teachers Training College as a premier institution in the region, the MP acknowledged that inadequate infrastructure remained a major obstacle to its growth.

He pledged KSh100 million towards completing the college dormitory, signalling renewed hope for improved accommodation facilities for trainees.

In another major announcement, Hon. Nabwera promised that the Lugari National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) would sponsor a class of 50 new teacher trainees next year, opening another opportunity for young people aspiring to join the teaching profession.

The MP also pledged to challenge the proposed Pre-Service Bill in Parliament, expressing concern over provisions that could affect teacher training institutions.

Like Mr Karayu, he called for teacher trainees in diploma colleges to enjoy financial support similar to students in universities, KMTC and TVET institutions, arguing that such an arrangement would strengthen enrolment and expand access to teacher education.

As the 117 graduates celebrated their achievement, the messages from the college leadership and government representatives were clear: the diploma is not the end of the journey.

For Lugari, the occasion was not merely about awarding certificates. It was a celebration of an institution’s contribution to education, renewed investment in its future and the beginning of 117 new journeys in the noble calling of teaching.