Introducing the first KIT Alumni Global Council (2025-2027)
During the inaugural KIT Alumni Event on 30 August 2025, alumni elected the first KIT Alumni Global Council. This marks an important milestone in strengthening the global KIT alumni network and creating an alumni-led structure to foster collaboration, engagement and knowledge exchange across regions.
The Council will serve its first term from 1 October 2025 to 30 December 2027.
A global network, led by alumni
Since the 1960s, more than 4,000 health professionals from over 95 countries have graduated from KIT, forming a global network that continues to contribute to health systems, research, education and policy worldwide.
To strengthen this growing community, KIT introduced the first Alumni Global Council—an elected body of alumni volunteers that will help shape the future of the alumni network in close collaboration with KIT.
The role of the Global Council
The KIT Alumni Global Council serves as the alumni-led body responsible for strengthening the global alumni network and supporting alumni engagement at global, regional and country levels. The Council works closely with the KIT Alumni Steering Committee, which includes representatives from KIT Institute, KIT Education, KIT Fund and KIT Marketing & Communications.
During its first term, the Council will:
- strengthen connections across the global alumni network;
- support the development of regional and country alumni initiatives;
- encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange and professional networking;
- contribute to alumni engagement and future alumni events;
- help shape the future development of the KIT alumni community.
The 2025–2027 term serves as a pilot phase. During this period, the Council will further develop its structure and ways of working while supporting alumni activities worldwide. As part of Graduation Week 2027, the Council will help organise the second KIT Alumni Event, during which elections for the next Council term will take place.
Council positions
The Global Council consists of five elected volunteer positions:
President: Provides overall leadership and coordination of the Council.
Vice President: Supports the President and assumes responsibilities in their absence.
Scientific Secretary: Promotes academic collaboration, technical exchange and knowledge sharing.
Financial Secretary: Supports planning, budgeting, financial reporting and fundraising activities.
Communications, Advocacy and Relations Officer: Leads communications, outreach and stakeholder engagement, helping strengthen alumni visibility and connections worldwide.
Meet the inaugural KIT Alumni Global Council
The inaugural Council brings together five alumni from different graduation years, regions and professional backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to strengthening the KIT alumni community.
Gideon Sorochi Okorie
President
KIT graduate (2021)
Based in: Nigeria and United Kingdom
Current role: Senior Lecturer and PhD researcher at the University of Manchester, UK.
“ With deep gratitude and humility, I accept the honour of serving as the first President of the KIT Global Alumni Council. s is not a personal victory, but a collective milestone. It marks the beginning of a new era in which we move from being loosely connected individuals towards an organised, empowered and united alumni community. This Council belongs to all of us. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build a vibrant and inclusive alumni network rooted in strong regional chapters, global collaboration, mentorship, innovation and meaningful service. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and pledge to lead with humility, integrity, transparency and a listening heart. The task ahead is significant, but our collective potential is greater. I look forward to working with alumni across the world to build and strengthen this community together."This Council belongs to all of us. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build a vibrant, inclusive alumni network rooted in strong regional chapters, global collaboration, mentorship, innovation, and meaningful service. As your Chief Servant, I pledge to lead with humility, integrity, transparency, and a listening heart—because leadership is service. The task ahead is great, but potential collectively is greater. ” ”
Gideon Sorochi Okorie
President elect 2025-2027
Evelyn Namubiru
Vice President
KIT graduate (2020)
Based in: Uganda
Current role: Head of Programs at the Hunger Project Uganda
“ I am deeply humbled and sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me by electing me to serve on the Global Alumni Council. This opportunity is both an honour and a responsibility, and I am committed to representing our alumni community with dedication, integrity and collaboration. I pledge to carry your voices, ideas and aspirations with me and to work to strengthen the bonds that connect us. Your continued support and encouragement will be important as we take this work forward. I look forward to working with alumni around the world to strengthen our global network, create meaningful opportunities and uphold the values that unite us. Together, we can foster collaboration and continue the proud legacy of KIT. ” ”
Evelyn Namubiru
Vice President elect 2025-2027
Merci Mamae Diop
Financial Secretary
KIT graduate (2021)
Based in: Senegal
Current role: PhD researcher at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar
“ I would like to sincerely thank the alumni community for the trust you have placed in me through my election to the KIT Alumni Global Council. I understand the importance and responsibility that come with this trust and look forward to getting started in my role as Financial Secretary. I am committed to serving the alumni community with dedication and loyalty and to contributing to the work of the Council. I will work to live up to the expectations placed in me and to support our shared efforts to build and strengthen the KIT alumni network. ” ”
Merci Mamae Diop
Finance Secretary elect 2025-2027
Yusuf Sheku Tejan
Scientific Secretary
KIT graduate (2021)
Based in: Sierra Leone
Current role: Junior Resident, Department of Community Health
“ My profound appreciation goes to every alumnus who trusted me with the role of Scientific Secretary. It is an honour to serve on the first KIT Alumni Global Council in this technical role. KIT leaves an indelible mark on its students, reflected in our memories, our desire to give back to our communities, countries and regions, and now in the establishment of our first Global Alumni Council. As Scientific Secretary, my vision is to contribute to an operational, sustainable and impactful KIT alumni network through academic and scientific contributions that demonstrate novelty, implementation or both. We have considerable capacity within our alumni community. Drawing on the commitment, expertise and resources of individual alumni will be critical to achieving our goals and strengthening our collective impact. ” ”
Yusuf Sheku Tejan
Scientific Secretary elect 2025-2027
Suchitra Mishra
Communications, Advocacy and Relations Officer
KIT graduate (2024)
Based in: India
Current role: Medical Superintendent, Jaiprakash Hospital and Research Centre
“ I am grateful to accept the role of Communications, Advocacy and Relations Officer and thank you for the trust placed in me. I take this responsibility seriously and look forward to supporting our shared mission. In this role, I want to help unite our voices so that the important issues we work on resonate not only in academic and policy circles, but also with communities, governments and international organisations. In the coming years, I hope to raise awareness of our work through effective communication, strengthen advocacy that connects scientific insights to policy, and build meaningful relationships across fields, regions and sectors. I want to ensure that our messages remain inclusive, evidence-based and aligned with global priorities. Together, we can honour KIT's legacy while creating new opportunities for connection and impact. ” ”
Suchitra Mishra
Communications, Advocacy and Relations Officer elect 2025-2027
Looking ahead
The establishment of the first KIT Alumni Global Council marks an exciting new chapter for the KIT alumni network. Together with alumni and KIT, the Council will help strengthen collaboration, support alumni-led initiatives and create opportunities for graduates to stay connected across regions and generations.
We look forward to following the Council’s work over the coming years and to continuing to grow a vibrant and engaged global alumni community.
Reach out or connect with the Global Council at alumni@kit.nl