In continuation of the various commencements of various institutions of higher education, the Massawa based College of Marine Sciences and Technology graduated a total of 127 students in degree and diploma Saturday October 25, 2008.

During the ceremony in the evening hours, Mr. Ahmed Haji Ali, the Minister of Fisheries, delivered the day’s statement on behalf of President Isaias Afwerki, Chancellor of the Institutes of Higher Education.

In his address the minister outlined the college’s importance in providing the necessary human resources for boosting national fishery products.

Also speaking during the ceremony were Dr. Zekaria Abdelkerim, Dean of the College, and Dr. Tadesse Mehari, Director of the National Board of Institutes of Higher Education.

Ateshim Bahta, an honors degree student from the department of Aquaculture, joined the college while he was with the Eritrean Defense Forces. Appreciating the opportunity given by the government, he wished the same for all those who are still in the military.

“We’ll exploit our coastal resources to the full advantage of our people, and that will keep the momentum of our efforts to attain food security,” he said.

Diploma graduate in Microbiology and Disease Control, Letebirhan Gebrezghi on her part said that she would strive to make Eritrean fish competitive in international markets.

The graduates expressed their readiness to fulfill their responsibilities in the process of utilizing Eritrea’s marine resources.