“You are enough. You are powerful. And your dreams are valid.” These were the resonant words of Prof. Laila Abubakar, Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), who was the chief guest at Mama Ngina Secondary School’s prize-giving ceremony.

The event celebrated hard work, excellence, and resilience. Prof. Abubakar applauded the effort and focus of the 2024 KCSE prize winners. “You have not only made your families and this school proud, you have set a standard for others to follow,” she said. She reminded them that a trophy is not the end, but a shiny reminder that they are capable of greatness. 

To those who didn’t win a prize, Prof. Abubakar encouraged them not to feel left out. “This day is not only about the top 10%, it’s about 100% effort. If you didn’t win today, don’t let it define you.” She reminded them that many of life’s most important prizes are built quietly through grit, kindness, creativity, and character. She shared how Steve Jobs was once fired from his own company and how J.K. Rowling’s book was rejected 12 times. “Your time will come. Just take it as a plot twist in your success story.”

Prof. Abubakar also delivered a strong message to the girls. “In a world that often tells girls, ‘you’re too loud,’ ‘too quiet,’ ‘too confident,’ ‘not confident enough,’ I want to say something very simple: You are enough.” She urged them not to shrink themselves or dim their light to make others comfortable. “Be bold. Be brave. Be unapologetically you.”

She highlighted the importance of skills like communication, self-esteem, self-control, social skills, and high-order thinking. She reminded students that innovative thinking is crucial, especially in unpredictable moments like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

That message was echoed by Ms. Bibiye Mahmoud, a staff member from the School of Engineering at TUM, who represented the Directorate of Career Services. She encouraged girls to pursue courses in STEM and embrace innovation, urging them to think beyond traditional employment and consider becoming job creators instead of job seekers. She also reminded students that morals and discipline remain key in shaping a strong and ethical society.

Prof. Abubakar also spoke about the Competency-Based Education (CBE) model, saying it will nurture talent, accelerate learning, and foster creativity. She commended Grade 8 and 9 teachers for helping learners transition smoothly to senior school. “I believe that it will be a good transition, and it will be very smooth. The students will now be able to take the courses, so that by the time they go to the university during placement, they already know which courses or pathways they are going to take.”

The TUM Vice Chancellor further encouraged schools in the Coast region to take full advantage of the Blue Economy, especially under technical and vocational training. She noted that the Coast is uniquely positioned with rich marine resources and untapped potential in areas such as Marine Engineering, Shipping and Logistics, Maritime courses, and Marine Biology. By integrating Blue Economy concepts into technical education, she said, learners can be equipped with practical skills that align with local opportunities and global trends. 

As she concluded her speech, Prof. Abubakar reminded the students that everyone has unique strengths and should never be confined by narrow standards of success. “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” With those words, she saluted the graduands one final time and urged them to go out and make a mark.