Skopje, June 9, 2026 – Mother Teresa University in Skopje, in a solemn and dignified atmosphere, organized the promotion ceremony of its eighth generation of graduates. The event brought together the highest state officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, religious leaders, academics, lecturers, and hundreds of family members who celebrated the achievements of the young people who today officially joined the ranks of citizens with higher academic qualifications.
The ceremony was officially opened by the President of the Senate of Mother Teresa University in Skopje, Full Prof. Olivera Petrovska, Ph.D., who, in her capacity as a representative of MTU’s highest academic body, delivered welcoming remarks to the distinguished guests and attendees. In her address, she emphasized that MTU’s Graduation Ceremony represents the culmination of the students’ years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
“Today, we are not only marking the completion of an important academic journey, yet also the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities and challenges. Mother Teresa University in Skopje is proud of your achievements. We firmly believe that the knowledge you have acquired here, along with the values you have developed throughout your studies, will help you successfully meet the challenges of the modern society,” Full Prof. Olivera Petrovska, Ph.D., stated.
Full Prof. Olivera Petrovska, Ph.D., also expressed her sincere gratitude to the parents, families, and academic staff for their selfless support and invaluable contribution to the educational and personal development of the graduates.
The Rector of Mother Teresa University, Full Prof. Bekim Fetaji, Ph.D., extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, emphasizing that they are now well prepared to face the challenges of the contemporary labor market, which is undergoing rapid transformation under the influence of artificial intelligence and current geopolitical developments.
“You possess the necessary knowledge, you have the skills, and above all, you have the appropriate mindset. That is precisely what makes the difference between a person who knows many things and one who knows how to continuously learn and acquire new knowledge,” MTU Rector, Full Prof. Bekim Fetaji, Ph.D., emphasized.
Referring to a well-known quote by Mother Teresa, the Rector, Full Prof. Bekim Fetaji, Ph.D., delivered the following message to the graduates:
“Do not strive at all costs to do great things; rather, do small things with great love. The doors of this university will always remain open to you. Once a member of the MTU family — forever a member of the MTU family.”
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Mr. Afrim Gashi, also addressed the graduates, highly commending MTU’s role in educating and promoting a new generation of intellectual leaders in the country. He encouraged the graduates to build their future in their homeland and to contribute as drivers of democratic and economic development.
“Our country needs the energy, knowledge, and vision of the younger generation,” emphasized Mr. Gashi, calling on the young to play an active role in building a prosperous and modern society.
“A university degree is but a significant achievement, yet it also carries the responsibility of putting the knowledge and skills acquired at the service of the development of the society,” emphasized the President of the Assembly, Mr. Afrim Gashi.
The First Deputy Prime Minister, Bekim Sali, Ph.D., also addressed the attendees, highlighting the crucial role of education in social development and progress.
“Education remains the most reliable investment in the future of any society, while the young, with their knowledge, energy, and creativity, are the driving force that moves the country forward. In a world that is changing at an increasingly rapid pace, learning and professional development must continue throughout one’s lifetime,” Mr. Sali added, encouraging graduates to continuously invest in their knowledge and professional growth.
The Minister of Education and Science, Full Prof. Vesna Janevska, Ph.D., expressed her pleasure at attending the ceremony and emphasized that Macedonia has an urgent need for a new generation of researchers and scientists. She informed the audience that the Ministry of Education is implementing a range of systemic measures aimed at strengthening the international visibility and professional development of young researchers.
Additionally, Ms. Janevska thanked tat professors of Mother Teresa University for their active and constructive contribution to the drafting of the new Law on Higher Education, which is to soon be submitted to the Parliament with the aim of creating a more competitive and higher-quality higher education system.
A particularly inspiring and emotional address was delivered by the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Republic of North Macedonia, His Excellency Denion Mejdani. In his remarks, he reflected on the life story of Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, the young girl from Skopje who, with no political power or global prominence, succeeded in changing the world through her unwavering faith, determination, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
“Do not allow current reality to define the limits of your future. When you encounter obstacles along your path, do not accept them as final boundaries, but overcome them. Have your dignity, kindness, and the belief that tomorrow can and must be better. People are not remembered for what they have acquired, but for what they have changed,” emphasized H.E. Denion Mejdani, delivering a powerful message to the graduates, encouraging them to become drivers of positive change in society.
A central highlight of the ceremony featured the presentation of awards, where the Rector of Mother Teresa University, Full Prof. Bekim Fetaji, Ph.D., on behalf of MTU’s academic and administrative staff, presented recognitions to five distinguished alumni, who, today, successfully represent MTU in their professional careers and on the labor market.
Awards were presented to: Marika Cvetkovska from the Faculty of Technical Sciences, currently a road traffic engineer and designer; Ramadan Zejneli from the Faculty of Social Sciences, who holds a managerial position as a sector head; Hamdi Xhunior Ajeti from the Faculty of Informatics, employed as a Senior Software Engineer; Shermin Memed from the Faculty of Technological Sciences, working as a customer support specialist; and Art Rexhepi from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, a successful architect engaged in the private sector.
Throughout the ceremony, the program and protocol proceedings were carried out at a high professional level by Prof. Arta Xhelili, Ph.D., who, through her successful moderation, contributed to the dignified flow of the event and invited the most outstanding students of the generation to the stage.
The most applauded moment of the evening was the appearance on stage of the five most outstanding students of the eighth generation, who received awards from MTU’s Rector, Full Prof. Bekim Fetaji, Ph.D., for their exceptional academic achievements throughout their studies. These were: Xheneta Islami, the best student of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, with an average grade of 8.60; Kanita Reçica, the best student of the Faculty of Informatics, with an average grade of 9.50; Besjana Islami, the best student of the Faculty of Technological Sciences, with an average grade of 9.73; Almedina Topalovska, the best student of the Faculty of Technical Sciences, with an average grade of 9.80; and Adrela Zenku, the best student of the Faculty of Social Sciences, with a perfect average of 10.00.
The graduation ceremony concluded with the traditional throwing of academic caps by the graduates, symbolically marking the end of an important chapter in their lives and the beginning of a new path filled with professional achievements, personal development, and future success.
