Princess Zahra Aga Khan recently visited Makerere University, reflecting on her father, His Highness the Aga Khan IV’s deep appreciation for the institution and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of higher education.
“My whole life, my father always told me that Makerere University was the best university in Africa,” she shared. “And my whole life, he told me how sad it was that tertiary-level degrees had been de-funded and what fragility that bred in these countries.”
Her father, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, firmly believed that a nation’s ability to educate and train professionals at the highest levels was fundamental to its success. “If a country cannot train its upper degrees, it cannot build a free, fair, and successful economy,” she emphasized.
During her visit, Princess Zahra expressed her admiration for Makerere University’s resilience and enduring excellence. She was particularly pleased to see the university’s iconic Main Building, which was devastated by fire in 2020, restored to its former glory. “To come here and see it looking so amazing and beautiful is really good,” she remarked.
Her reflections underscored the crucial role of tertiary education in national development and the enduring legacy of the Aga Khan’s vision for education as a pillar of societal progress.
Ismailimail 