The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Zanzibar campus celebrated its 63rd convocation by conferring a total of 3,518 degrees to 3,106 students. Among these were 511 PhD degrees, including 16 joint PhDs awarded in collaboration with foreign universities. The ceremony took place with Hussein Ali Mwinyi, president of Zanzibar and chairman of the revolutionary council, serving as the chief guest.
Expanding IIT Madras’s Global Reach in East Africa
IIT Madras Zanzibar is India’s first international IIT campus, established to foster academic excellence and drive technological progress in Africa and beyond. The campus currently enrolls around 130 students, with just over half coming from Tanzania. The remainder represent a diverse group from countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and India. This international mix reflects the campus’s mission to become a hub for higher education and innovation in East Africa.
Director V Kamakoti emphasized the transformative role the campus is playing in the region. He noted that the institution is rapidly evolving into a center for global higher education, with plans to increase student enrollment to between 350 and 500 by 2027. This growth will be supported by accelerated faculty recruitment, stronger partnerships with industry, improved research infrastructure, and the launch of East Africa’s first research-integrated Startup Studio.
Degrees Conferred and Placement Success
- 812 Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degrees awarded
- 302 dual degree BTech graduates
- 617 Master of Technology (MTech) degrees
- 143 Master of Science (MSc) degrees
- 123 Master of Arts (MA) degrees
- 53 Executive MBA degrees
- 84 MBA degrees
- 32 Postgraduate diplomas
- 201 Master of Science (MS) degrees
- 511 PhD degrees, including 16 joint international PhDs
The convocation also highlighted the success of the inaugural MTech graduating batch, which achieved a 100% placement rate. Graduates secured positions at prominent companies such as SuperDoll, Zantel, and Airtel, demonstrating the campus’s strong industry connections and the value of its programs.
Why This Convocation Marks a Milestone for East Africa
The event underscored IIT Madras Zanzibar’s growing influence as a beacon of innovation and education in the region. President Hussein Ali Mwinyi praised the institution not only for its academic reputation but also for its culture of innovation that extends beyond classrooms and laboratories. He highlighted how the campus’s focus on entrepreneurship and practical problem-solving aligns with Zanzibar’s aspirations for economic development and job creation.
By fostering a vibrant ecosystem where ideas can translate into real-world solutions and enterprises, IIT Madras Zanzibar is positioning itself as a critical driver of technological advancement and socio-economic growth in East Africa. The convocation’s success signals a promising future for the campus and its expanding community of students and researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many degrees were awarded at the 63rd convocation of IIT Madras Zanzibar?
A: A total of 3,518 degrees were conferred, including 511 PhD degrees, to 3,106 students.
Q: Who was the chief guest at the convocation ceremony?
A: Hussein Ali Mwinyi, president of Zanzibar and chairman of the revolutionary council, was the chief guest.
Q: What is notable about the MTech graduating batch at IIT Madras Zanzibar?
A: The inaugural MTech batch achieved 100% placement, with graduates securing jobs at leading companies such as SuperDoll, Zantel, and Airtel.
