TU Dublin Celebrates University of Sanctuary Accreditation at Special Ceremony
On Thursday, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) marked a significant milestone with a special ceremony celebrating its official designation as a University of Sanctuary. The event, officiated by Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin, brought together representatives from universities, national organisations, community partners, students, and staff to recognise the University’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people seeking sanctuary.
Since the University of Sanctuary scholarship programme began, TU Dublin has awarded 75 scholarships to asylum seekers and refugees from countries including Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine and Palestine.
The accreditation acknowledged TU Dublin’s dedication to supporting refugees, asylum seekers and individuals seeking international protection, and recognised the collective efforts across Ireland’s higher education sector to foster belonging and opportunity for those who have come to the country seeking safety and a new start.
Opening the University of Sanctuary ceremony, President of TU Dublin, Dr Deirdre Lillis, said the accreditation reflected the values at the heart of the institution.
“We were proud to receive the University of Sanctuary accreditation, which reflects TU Dublin’s commitment to inclusion, equality and social justice. It recognises the dedication of our staff, students and partners who work to make the University a place where everyone can learn, contribute and feel a sense of belonging.”
“TU Dublin also stands in solidarity with all those who face injustice in Dublin and across Ireland because of their race or ethnicity. Everyone deserves to feel safe. Ireland has long been known as ‘the land of a thousand welcomes’, yet that welcome is undermined when people who come here to study, work or seek protection experience hostility or harm. Our international students and staff from around the world are an integral part of our community, and their contributions to the University and to Irish society are immeasurable.”
A special highlight of the ceremony was an address by Blessing Richard, who represented TU Dublin’s IPAS Scholarship recipients with great thoughtfulness and eloquence. Reflecting on her own educational journey and the opportunities created through the scholarship programme, Blessing spoke about the transformative power of education in fostering belonging, dignity and hope. Her words resonated deeply with those in attendance, underscoring the importance of creating pathways to opportunity for people seeking sanctuary and reminding everyone why TU Dublin’s commitment to inclusion and support matters so profoundly.
The accreditation highlighted TU Dublin’s efforts to build a diverse and supportive academic environment across its five campuses, which are deeply embedded in the communities they serve. Through its applied, practice-led approach to learning, students engage with real-world challenges alongside community partners, building understanding and shared solutions.
Over the coming years, TU Dublin plans to expand its initiatives for sanctuary-seeking students, including dedicated scholarships, tailored mentorship and enhanced support services to help students settle into university life and succeed in their studies.
.Melody Chinenyanga, TU Dublin’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead for Race Equity, acknowledged the collective work that led to the accreditation.
“This accreditation represents more than recognition; it reflects a commitment by TU Dublin to remain a place where people seeking sanctuary are not only welcomed but genuinely supported and valued. It highlights our belief that education can create pathways to belonging, opportunity and hope for everyone,” she said.
The University of Sanctuary designation also aligns closely with TU Dublin’s Plan of Change for Race Equity 2021-2026, which is working to embed race equity across all aspects of university life. Initiatives include diversifying curricula, ensuring fair representation in staffing, strengthening reporting and support mechanisms, and providing anti-racism and cultural awareness training.
By joining the growing network of Universities of Sanctuary, TU Dublin aligned itself with global best practice in inclusive higher education, strengthening its reputation as an institution committed to opportunity, equity and belonging.
At the ceremony, the efforts of the University of Sanctuary Steering Committee were recognised and celebrated, including the Admissions and Student Services and Wellbeing teams, as well as the many staff and students whose contributions helped make the accreditation possible.
The event closed with a performance by NACHYV Ambient, a Dublin-based group of musicians whose soft live soundscapes are designed to create immersive, calming environments that support reflection, inclusion and a sense of collective wellbeing.