University of The Bahamas

University of The Bahamas is proud to announce that Yolett McPhee-McCuin Yolett McCuin is the Commencement Guest Speaker for the UB North Spring 2026 Ceremony on Thursday 4th June 2026. "Coach Yo" is one of the most influential leaders in college basketball and a daughter of Freeport, Grand Bahama.

A trailblazer, championship coach, and global voice for empowerment, she has transformed the Rebels women’s basketball programme at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) into a nationally recognized programme while inspiring countless young people through her NoCeilings with Coach Yo Foundation.

We look forward to welcoming her home as she shares a message to inspire our 2026 UB North graduates under the Commencement theme, "Honouring the Journey that Shaped Us, Embracing the Future that Calls Us."

Jibrilu to UB Class of 2026: "Never Outsource Your Humanity"

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – Chief Executive Officer of the Nassau and Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) Joy Jibrilu delivered a profound message to the University of The Bahamas' (UB’s) newest alumni: embrace innovation, but never lose sight of what makes us human.

Addressing nearly 600 graduates at UB’s Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday at the Nassau Cruise Port, Jibrilu challenged members of the Class of 2026 to prepare for a rapidly changing world by developing attributes that technology cannot replicate.

"The future will reward people who can do what algorithms still struggle to do: exercise judgment, show integrity, care deeply about other people, and lead with wisdom," she noted.

"So yes – embrace technology, learn AI, innovate boldly, but never outsource your humanity because the world does not simply need smarter people it needs wiser ones."

Jibrilu, the first Bahamian and first woman to lead the NPIPB, was the commencement speaker under the theme, "Honouring the Journey that Shaped Us, Embracing the Future that Calls Us."

Her message helped set the tone for a ceremony where the emphasis was on character, service and leadership as well as academic achievement.

Class Valedictorian Zoe Turner, a Bachelor of Arts Media Journalism graduate and recipient of the prestigious Governor General's Award, told her fellow graduates to look beyond personal success and commit themselves to making a meaningful difference in their communities and country.

"The University of The Bahamas has profoundly impacted my life. This institution did not simply educate us, it prepared us. It taught us to adapt, think critically, persevere, and perhaps most importantly, rise to the challenges that life will inevitably place before us," said Turner.

"To my fellow graduates: never underestimate how far you can go from where you started. I used to think 'I'm just a girl from Cat Island'. But humble beginnings catapult you to a powerful destiny. Just ask the giant-slayer, David. And look where I'm standing now."

Turner encouraged graduates to embrace lives of purpose and service, adding that the world does not simply need more degree holders, but people willing to lead our nation and the world.

Leyhanessa L.C. Rolle, a BSc. In Electrical Engineering Technology grad, earned the prestigious President’s Award, as the class salutatorian.

UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, III, in his remarks, reminded graduates that their education carries responsibilities beyond personal advancement. President Blaine told them The Bahamas needs leaders capable of navigating challenges that have yet to emerge.
"Excellence is never grown in isolation," said President Blaine. "Today is possible not because of a few, but because of many. I am so honored to have joined this important and expansive collective effort. And now, Class of 2026, as UB alumni so have you."

Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Allyson Maynard-Gibson, KC, highlighted the significance of the graduating class at a pivotal moment in the nation's development, describing graduates as agents of lasting change.

"You are a transformational ripple in the ocean. You are living proof of what happens when a community and a nation invest in its people. You are the hope our country leans on and, in many ways, the answer our country has been yearning for," she said.

"That is not a small thing. It is a very big deal, especially at this defining point in our national growth and development."

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. I. Chester Cooper also urged the graduates to anchor their future success in strong values and personal integrity.

"Your qualifications, that paper, they are critical. But in this world what matters most are character and integrity. This University has not only educated you. It has shaped you," he said.

"Because character is built in challenge. Character is built when integrity is tested. Character is built when you choose discipline over excuses, courage over fear, and truth over convenience."

The commencement ceremony brought excitement and celebration to downtown Nassau. An academic procession, which preceded the ceremony, led by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band made its way from Rawson Square to the Nassau Cruise Port amphitheatre, where thousands of family members, friends, faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered to witness the milestone occasion.

Rounding out the highest honours, Javan Johnson, a BSc in Hospitality Management graduate, received the UB Alumni Association Leadership Award while Travis Cartwright, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate, received the Arlene Albury Scholar-Athlete Award.

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Sometimes, you have to leave home, the comfort and familiarity of all you know, to venture into the unknown, embrace new opportunities, and take flight toward the future that awaits you.

That was the story of last evening's valedictorian, and it is the story of so many members of the University of The Bahamas Class of 2026.

Last evening, University of The Bahamas proudly celebrated the achievements of more than 600 graduates at the New Providence Commencement Ceremony, marking the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, growth, and discovery.

We were especially honoured to hear from our Class of 2026 Valedictorian, Zoe Turner, whose inspiring reflections reminded us of the transformative power of education, resilience, and community.

Having left her beloved home in Cat Island to pursue her studies in Nassau during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoe's journey embodied the very spirit of this year's theme: Honouring the Journey That Shaped Us. Embracing the Future That Calls Us.

In her address, she reflected on the courage it took to leave home, the friendships she forged, the opportunities she embraced, and the challenges she overcame along the way. She reminded her fellow graduates that every setback, sacrifice, and success contributed to the people they have become today.

"The journey was not always easy, but every challenge helped shape who we are today."

She challenged her classmates to move forward with confidence and optimism, knowing that the education, experiences, and lessons gained at UB have prepared them to rise to whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

As we celebrate Zoe and her fellow graduates in New Providence, our Commencement season continues next week at UB North in Grand Bahama.

We look forward to gathering with our Grand Bahama graduands and their families for a week of celebration, reflection, and recognition through the Baccalaureate Service, Teachers Commissioning and Awards Ceremony, and ultimately the UB North Commencement Ceremony.

To our UB North graduands, your moment is almost here. We look forward to celebrating the journey that shaped you and the future that now calls you.

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2026. Your UB family is immensely proud of you, and we are delighted to welcome you into our growing community of nearly 30,000 alumni around the world.

Here they are! Our School of Nursing graduates are determined to serve with purpose and heart.

We bring you these moments from our Nursing and Allied Health Professions Pinning Ceremony held on Wednesday 27th May at Loyola Hall, Gladstone Road.

Congratulations to our Class of 2026 graduates and our future health care professionals.

Honouring the Journey that Shaped Us. Embracing the Future that Calls Us.

Tonight, we celebrate more than 600 graduates of the University of The Bahamas whose journeys of determination, sacrifice, growth, and resilience have culminated in this defining moment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our keynote speaker, Mrs. Joy Jibrilu, who delivered a powerful reminder that it was growth, resilience, and quiet strength that carried our graduates to this moment. Reflecting on the theme of journey, she reminded the Class of 2026 that life is rarely linear. There will be twists, turns, detours, and unexpected opportunities along the way. Yet it is often those very experiences that shape who we become.

Perhaps most inspiring was her reflection: "I am simply an ordinary person whose life became extraordinary because of my education and the doors it opened for me."

As our graduates step forward into new careers, advanced studies, entrepreneurship, and service to their communities, they carry with them the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the confidence gained at the University of The Bahamas.

To the Spring 2026 Graduating Class: your journey has shaped you. Your future is calling you. Go forward with courage, purpose, and optimism.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓💙

University of The Bahamas welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. I Chester Cooper who along with his senior administrative team paid a courtesy call on UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, IIII, and Board Chair Mrs. Allyson Maynard Gibson, KC, on Wednesday 27th May.

Members of the UB Board and the Executive Leadership Team were also present for the courtesy call.

We share with you more photos from our Spring 2026 Baccalaureate Service held on Sunday, starting off our exciting Commencement Week in prayer and reflection.

Congratulations to our graduands and the people who have supported them throughout their arduous, yet rewarding journeys. We celebrate your achievements and what the future holds.

University of The Bahamas is proud to announce that Joy Jibrilu, CEO of the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, will deliver the Spring 2026 Commencement Address for the New Providence ceremony to be held on Thursday 28th May at 7:00 p.m. at the Nassau Cruise Port.

A passionate advocate for The Bahamas, Jibrilu has played an instrumental role in elevating our nation’s tourism industry and inspiring excellence, and national pride.

As we gather under the theme, “Honouring the Journey that Shaped Us, Embracing the Future That Calls Us,” we look forward to the wisdom and encouragement she will share with the Commencement Class of 2026.