By Nangobi Eunice

Reflecting back on the journey to his master’s degree, Yahye Olad Liban believes that it takes more than passion but determination to achieve a goal because of the challenges that presented themselves in his pursuit of this cornerstone.

Caught between the web of work and family, Liban stayed focused and devised means of achieving his long-time dream despite working full-time at the Office of the Press, Presidency of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

“Balancing work, studies, and family was a major challenge for me. But to overcome this, I created a strict schedule, focused on time management, and prioritized tasks. The support from my lecturers, family, and classmates helped me manage everything successfully. It was a challenging time, but I successfully balanced my job, studies, and family responsibilities,” he said.

Liban, is an international student of Somali origin, one of the many looking forward to Kampala International University (KIU)’s 31st graduation ceremony due to take place on Saturday, July26th, 2025 at the Western Campus in Ishaka district. He has pursued a Master’s degree in Project Planning and Management, a decision that was influenced by his deep-rooted passion for change and development.

“I have always been passionate about planning and managing development projects that bring positive change to society. KIU provided a strong academic environment focused on research and practical skills, which made it the ideal place for me to grow both academically and professionally.” he explained.

According to Liban, KIU has groomed him professionally and socially through the various skills and qualities gained during his stay at the institution that will be crucial in his career.

“Studying at KIU helped me improve many important skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. I also developed a strong foundation in research and project planning, which will support me in my future career,” he said.

Liban plans to continue working in the field of project planning and development, getting involved in programs that bring real impact to communities and looking for opportunities to build her skills through further research and professional experience.

He implored fellow students to believe in their potential in addition to making use of opportunities.

“Stay focused and work hard toward your goals. Make good use of the opportunities at KIU and keep learning from your lecturers and peers. Education is a powerful tool — use it wisely and always believe in your potential,” he said.