Center; the VC, Prof. Solomon Shibairo; his immediate right, the DVC ASA, Prof. Hussein Golicha; far right, the DVC A&F, Prof. John Kuria Thuo: Far left, the Director, Institute of Indigenous Knowledge, Cultural Studies and Climate Change Prof. Josephine Ngaira; immediate left, Principal MMUST TVET Institute, Prof. Basil Ong'or during the event.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, has today Monday 18th September 2023, cautioned first year students of the freedom that comes with university life and advised them against engaging in activities that may derail their academic excellence. This was evident during the climax of the weeklong orientation exercise that was marked by a colorful ceremony, which took place at the University's Graduation Square. The Vice Chancellor was in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellors Academic and Students Affairs, and Finance and Administration; ProProf. Hussein Golicha and Prof. John Kuria Thuo respectively. The Deans and Directors of the different Schools and Offices, together with staff were also present at the event, which marked the official beginning of the academic year for the new students.
Speaking during the event, Prof. Shibairo stressed the fact that the University takes cognizance of the importance of education. He noted that the University works to ensure that its students are equipped with knowledge, values and skills that not only fit the requirements of the job market, but supersede the expectations of the students and clients.
“I urge you to make education your top priority during your stay on campus. Make use of the various resources including facilities available on campus,” said Prof. Shibairo.
The VC, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addressing the first-year students.
Additionally, he commented on the current challenge of the diminishing financial resources in the higher education sector, saying that the University has come up with programs to aid students’ education. “As a University, we are collaborating with other organizations to offer bursaries. We have also set up a talent scholarship for students who excel in sports and other co-curricular activities, as well as the work-study programmes to assist needy students to pay their tuition fee while gaining work experience,” he added. Prof. Shibairo further encouraged them to apply for the government scholarships to facilitate their studies.
A section of students during the first-year students VCs address.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Students Affairs, Prof. Hussein Golicha reported to the Vice Chancellor of the activities the students were engaged in during their orientations.
“For the past one week, the officers of the University have been welcoming, advising, guiding and mentoring our new students, and as of this week, teaching them about how to live successful lives both academically and socially, and to graduate at the top of their classes,” stated Prof. Golicha.
The DVC ASA, Prof. Hussein Golicha at the event.
The event was coordinated by the Office of the Registrar Academic Affairs led by Prof. Thomas Sakwa.
The Registrar Academic Affairs, Prof. Thomas Sakwa, engaging the students in an activity during the event.
So far, the University has admitted nearly 5000 students across various programmes and we are thrilled to have different countries and communities represented here on campus. On the other hand, the Vice Chancellor's address has become part of our culture and we work to ensure that we make it colourful every year. It is an important event in the University’s calendar, as it sets the tone for our first-year students’ academic journey, besides helping them to feel connected to their new educational community. Certainly, the event offered the new students a memorable and meaningful start of their University experience.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
