OPIT’s Second Graduation Ceremony
The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) has disrupted the tech education sector, introducing a more accessible and impactful way for students worldwide to learn about AI, data science, and digital business. More than 100 of those students recently graduated from the institution’s excellent array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Read on to learn all about the graduation ceremony.
Quick Summary
- OPIT’s second graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 111 students from more than 35 countries.
- The ceremony was held at the historic Casino Maltese in Valletta.
- Many students attended in person, while others tuned in virtually from around the world.
- OPIT founder Riccardo Ocleppo called the ceremony “a celebration of persistence and discipline.”
- The rising number of OPIT graduates demonstrates the institution’s growing influence in online education.
OPIT’s Second Graduation Event in Detail
OPIT’s first graduation ceremony took place in 2025 and celebrated its inaugural graduating cohort, and saw 40 students receive their Master of Science degrees in Applied Data Science and AI. On May 23, 2026, the stage was set for an even grander celebration, with over twice as many students graduating from a much more diverse range of programs. Here’s an in-depth look at all the key details about the ceremony.
The Venue
As with the first graduation ceremony, OPIT opted to host its second celebration at the esteemed Casino Maltese in the heart of the beautiful capital city of Malta, Valletta. Only a stone’s throw from the iconic St. George’s Square, as well as Republic Square and other famous Valletta landmarks, this private members’ club has been a beloved sanctuary for social gatherings and special events for generations.
With its awe-inspiring architectural features, like its grand reception halls and vast dining room, it was a particularly fitting venue for a ceremony to honor the technological leaders of tomorrow. Smartly dressed in their suits, caps, and gowns, the attending students were able to feel the stories and history of the structure around them, while looking forward to the bright futures that lie ahead.
The Celebration
The event celebrated the successful completion of OPIT programs across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including courses like the BSc in Computer Science and the MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence. This set it apart from the first graduation ceremony in 2025, which was only able to include master’s graduates, since OPIT had only been founded two years prior, in 2023.
Master’s students studying subjects like digital business, innovation, and enterprise cybersecurity were also honored at this event, with a grand total of 111 OPIT graduates from 35 countries around the globe. Examples include Malta, Italy, India, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Nigeria, and the Czech Republic, which demonstrates the broad pool of applicants OPIT attracts.
The graduation also celebrated the growing importance of Malta as a nation for internationally-oriented and EU-accredited higher education. Particularly when it comes to studies in fields related to technology and digital business, this small island nation has emerged as something of a major player on the global stage.
The Attendees
According to reporting in the Times of Malta, around 120 participants attended OPIT’s second graduation event in person. This included some of the graduating students themselves, as well as their friends and families. An array of institutional partners was also present to honor the graduates’ achievements, along with OPIT’s Rector Francesco Profumo and founder Riccardo Ocleppo.
In addition, part of what makes OPIT unique in the educational world is its accessibility; it offers online learning programs to students from diverse backgrounds around the globe, and this event was also designed to be just as accessible as a typical OPIT lecture. Students who weren’t able to attend in person could still connect to the ceremony virtually and watch the event unfold from the comfort of home.
The Reactions
Several of the event’s key speakers shared their thoughts and impressions on the ceremony, the graduates, and the future of OPIT.
Ocleppo stated:
“This weekend in Valletta, we celebrated graduates who proved that ambition and excellence are not limited by geography, and that technology careers can be built alongside real life and real work.”
Ocleppo went on to note that 70% of the graduates managed to complete their studies while working full-time. This demonstrates just how committed they are to success, while also proving that the OPIT way of education may be the most optimal method moving forward, particularly for more mature students and ambitious professionals who don’t want to put their careers on hold.
The OPIT founder also called the ceremony “a celebration of persistence and discipline over the illusion of instant success and the easy outcomes often portrayed in media stories.”
Meanwhile, Professor Profumo agreed, stating that the OPIT story is evidence of how education must evolve to meet the changing needs of students today:
“This graduation is a clear signal of where higher education must go next: flexible, rigorous, and deeply connected to the technologies shaping our societies.”
Profumo went on to add:
“Seeing our first Bachelor’s cohort in Computer Science graduate alongside students from our Master’s programs is a milestone for OPIT and a promise to the market: we are building talent that can lead responsibly in AI, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.”
Key Takeaways
- OPIT’s second graduation was significantly larger than its inaugural event.
- More students are succeeding at OPIT, even while pursuing full-time work.
- OPIT’s accessible online education platform is producing the tech leaders of tomorrow.
Follow in the Footsteps of the OPIT Graduates
The 2026 graduating class represents a massive step towards future success, courtesy of OPIT. If you’d like to follow their example, expand your knowledge of the ever-growing technology sector – and eventually participate in a future graduation ceremony – apply for your spot in an OPIT course.
The institution offers a variety of programs, ranging from the beginner-friendly Foundation Program through to advanced master’s degrees and even a doctorate in AI. Learn more on the OPIT website, or submit your application online today.