On the third night of Near East University’s 2025-2026 Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony, 692 students received their diplomas, creating a joyful atmosphere with DJ performances, live music, and fireworks show at NEU Event Park.
The 2025-2026 Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony of Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, continued with high participation and proud moments on its third night at NEU Event Park. On the third day of the ceremony, 692 students who qualified to graduate from the Faculties of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nursing, Engineering, Health Sciences, Agriculture, and Artificial Intelligence and Informatics received their diplomas and experienced the joy of graduation. Students and their families experienced great excitement in the ceremony area, and the events that continued throughout the day further enhanced the graduation atmosphere.
Before the ceremony, graduates gathered at the festival grounds, enjoying live music and a DJ performance that raised the tempo of the event. The colorful scenes throughout the night culminated in a visual feast with a fireworks display. The ceremony, which attracted great interest from families, was also attended by the President of YÖDAK (Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation and Coordination Council), Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, and YÖDAK members Prof. Dr. Remziye Terkan, Prof. Dr. Zafer Ağdelen, and Prof. Dr. Akın Cellatoğlu.
The opening speeches were given by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, and the President of YÖDAK, Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın. The Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, who was in Ankara for the Interuniversity Council Meeting and therefore unable to attend, sent a video message. Hilal Akgün and Sinan Bakır, top graduates from the Faculty of Nursing, spoke on behalf of the Turkish language program graduates, while Sharon Festo Mwanyika, a graduate from the Faculty of Health Sciences, spoke on behalf of the international students, sharing their thoughts and feelings. The ceremony also included a video presentation by the AI-based academician Al. Prof. DUX. Prof. DUX said, “Dear graduates, you have a long road ahead of you. Make mistakes, learn, grow, and never give up on dreaming. And one last piece of advice: If you ever need to consult an artificial intelligence in the future, please don’t ask the question at three o’clock in the morning on the night before the exam. I congratulate you all, may your path be clear.”
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “We are training our students not only as individuals with professions, but also as people who can stand strong in every aspect of life.”
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Günsel reminded the audience that Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, was ranked as the “39th most influential university in the world” in the Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 research announced this week by the international higher education ranking organization Times Higher Education (THE). Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “This success is the result of years of studying hard, determination, and confidence in the future.” Emphasizing that Near East University is a pioneering university not only academically but also in sports, Prof. Dr. Günsel said, “The ‘Sports-Friendly Campus’ award given by the Higher Education Council does not only represent the success of our sports facilities or physical infrastructure. It is also a confirmation of our approach, which sees healthy living, discipline, resilience, team spirit, and lifelong development as an integral part of our educational philosophy. Because we aim to educate our students not only as professionals but also as people who can stand strong in every aspect of life.”
Addressing the students in his speech, Prof. Dr. Günsel said, “Let your goals be so big that they scare you. Remember that the path to achieving those goals lies in patience, hard work, and preparation. May your path be clear, your goals great, and your courage unwavering. I congratulate you all wholeheartedly.”
Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın: “The real test begins now!”
Beginning his speech by congratulating the graduates, the President of YÖDAK (Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation and Coordination Council of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, said, “After significant effort and a long educational process, you are now stepping into a new life today by receiving your diplomas. I wholeheartedly congratulate you. However, I would also like to state that the real test begins now.” Emphasizing that the education received at Near East University will provide a significant advantage in the graduates’ future journey, Prof. Dr. Hocanın continued, “The knowledge, skills, and experiences you have gained at this distinguished university of the TRNC will illuminate your path. Thanks to your problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking skills, and the expertise you have acquired in the fields of information technology and artificial intelligence, which are indispensable elements of our time, I believe that you will be at the forefront both in your postgraduate education and in your professional career.”
Highlighting the progress made in higher education in the TRNC, Prof. Dr. Hocanın said, “There are 23 universities in the TRNC, approximately 5,200 academic staff, and 102,000 students. Despite facing many challenges and obstacles, significant progress has been made in the field of higher education. Our higher education system, which has produced over 200,000 graduates to date, is one of the most important success stories of our country.” At the end of his speech, addressing especially the graduates who came from abroad to study in the TRNC, Prof. Dr. Hocanın said, “Never break the friendships you have made here, your bonds with your lecturers, and your relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Continue to share the experiences you have gained in this land and visit our island whenever you have the opportunity. May your path be clear and your successes continue.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Your future is determined not by where you stand, but by where you look.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, stating that Times Higher Education has officially announced the results of its 2026 Sustainability Impact Rankings, said, “As Near East University, we have risen to 39th place in the overall ranking this year.” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ added, “Furthermore, we are the 3rd most influential university in the world in the ‘Partnerships for Goals’ category. Achieving this success as a university established in a country that is not recognized and struggles with political obstacles is the result of our competencies, scientific confidence, and the bridges we have built with our international partners. In the ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ category, we are ranked 8th globally. In addition, we are ranked 11th globally in the ‘Quality Education’ category, 32nd in the ‘Health and Well-being’ category, and 71st in the ‘Gender Equality’ category. These results also carry a message for you, our graduates; your future is determined not by where you stand, but by where you look.”
Addressing the graduates in his speech, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “You may experience profound loneliness. You may realize that you no longer speak the same language as others. Old connections may become meaningless, and new ones may not yet be established. While adapting to the new paradigm, your old knowledge and experiences will continue to be with you. Be aware of this. Be happy and continue to make your family, your teachers, and your country proud.”
Hilal Akgün: “We are taking a big step onto the real stage of life.”
Hilal Akgün, one of the top graduates of the Turkish Program at the Faculty of Nursing, emphasized that their university years provided them not only with academic knowledge but also with professional ethics, respect for human dignity, and a strong vision. Thanking the academics who guided them throughout their education, Akgün stated that they experienced this pride today thanks to the love, support, and sacrifices of their families. Stating that graduation is not an end but a harbinger of new beginnings, Akgün congratulated all graduates on their achievements.
Sinan Bakır: “Our true success is not our grades, but our efforts to be conscientious individuals.”
Sinan Bakır, one of the top graduates of the Turkish Program at the Faculty of Nursing, stated that success is measured not only by academic grades but also by the values gained and strong character acquired throughout the process. Emphasizing that the nursing profession carries a sacred responsibility that directly touches human lives, Bakır expressed his belief that the graduates will use their knowledge and experience with justice, conscience, and dedication. Thanking their families for their support and sacrifices, Bakır wished all graduates a clear path, a bright future, and success in their professional lives.
Sharon Festo Mwanyika: “Today we are giving thanks and celebrating the beginning of our future.”
Sharon Festo Mwanyika, a graduate of the Faculty of Health Sciences, emphasized in her speech on behalf of the international graduates that graduation is not an end but a new beginning. Sharon Festo Mwanyika stated that their university years not only provided them with academic knowledge but also taught them important values such as resilience, teamwork, respect for differences, and lifelong learning. Thanking the academics and families for their support, Mwanyika noted that the graduates’ presence today is due to the many people who believed in them and dedicated their efforts. Mwanyika stated that future healthcare professionals, engineers, agricultural scientists, and artificial intelligence experts should use their knowledge to bring hope, healing, and positive change to societies, and invited graduates to become individuals who contribute to the development of others.
