The graduation for the final three cohorts of University of Sussex students who studied LLM (Masters of Law) in Corruption, Law and Governance, in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center (ROLACC), was held in Qatar, on 23 February.
The partnership agreement, which was established in 2016, has now come to an end with a graduation that exemplifies the positive impact the course has brought to students in their personal and professional lives.
The graduation was attended by Professor Kelly Coate, Sussex’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students.
Professor Coate, who opened the event, took the opportunity in her speech to congratulate the celebrating graduates for their achievement and encouraged them to utilise the tools and expertise gained to bring positive change to their organisations and communities:
“You can be confident that you are graduating from a university with a global reputation. 89% of our research is ranked ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, while 93% of our research delivers ‘very considerable’ or ‘outstanding’ impact. We are making a real difference in the world. You will make a real difference in the world too.”
Dr Ali Bin Fetais Al Marri, said in his address in the graduation programme : “Despite the increase of academic efforts, the number of institutions and the compiled action against corruption, figures still are rising higher and higher. We stand firm and are proud to be corruption fighters, whether through our joint programmes with our partners or through our continued commitment in different forms. There is nothing that makes me prouder than knowing that I was one of the many who helped, encouraged, and supported young leaders to pursue this noble endeavour. You have arrived today as students but leave as graduates from one of the most prestigious universities in the world.”
In addition, commencement speeches were delivered by Mohammed Al-Baker, Al-Anood Al-Naimi and Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, previous graduates of the LLM who spoke on the importance of this course for their own professional development, equipping them to fight against global corruption.
Thoughts from the graduates:
Ms. Al-Anood Al-Naimi said: "The LLM program has given me an in-depth knowledge in law, anti-corruption and governance. It also nourished my personal and professional skills. I am looking forward to applying my knowledge and becoming an effective member in the fight against injustice and corruption."
Commenting on the course, Ms. Sarah Ahmadi said: “The journey of LLM in Corruption, Law, and Governance was truly a fulfilling one. It allowed me to thoroughly understand how corruption impacts our global community and it has given me the tools for fighting it.”
Mr. Ibrahim Jallow said: "Studying LLM in Corruption, Law and Governance in Sussex has exposed me to different areas of knowledge about corruption and governance and open the gate of opportunities both in my career as a legal practitioner, and as a prospective anti-corruption specialist and policies analysts.”
The ceremony was preceded by a University of Sussex reception, hosted by Professor Kelly Coate, where University of Sussex staff, alumni partners, recent graduates and offer holders had the opportunity to discuss their learning and exchange experiences from their time studying at Sussex both in Qatar and at the Falmer campus.
