Prof. Stephen Odebero, the Director of Postgraduate Studies at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), has been awarded a renewed three-year contract in recognition of his outstanding performance. The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Student Affairs (DVC ASA), Prof. Hussein Golicha, handed over the renewal letter to Prof. Odebero during a formal ceremony in his office. Prof. Odebero’s previous tenure which began in 2021, witnessed significant advancements in postgraduate education in the University. The new contract is set to commence on 1st August, 2024.
Prof. Hussein Golicha commended Prof. Odebero’s dedication and achievements, stating that he has done a great job. “Prof. Odebero has done an exemplary job, and this renewal is a testament to his hard work and the positive impact he has had on postgraduate studies at MMUST. We have renewed his contract to ensure he continues his excellent work!”
Prof. Odebero expressed his excitement and gratitude for the renewal, attributing it to the accomplishments of his previous term. He highlighted the increase in postgraduate graduation rates as a key achievement, with numbers rising from 86 graduates (31 PhDs and 55 Masters) in 2021, to 132 (43 PhDs and 89 Masters) in 2022, and 158 (55 PhDs and 103 Masters) in 2023. “These improvements were made possible through close collaboration with stakeholders including the Vice Chancellor, the DVC ASA, Registrar Academic Affairs, Deans of Schools, Chairpersons of Departments, and Chairs of School Graduate Committees,” he remarked.
Other notable achievements during his tenure include the review of postgraduate rules and regulations, which are currently awaiting approval from the Senate, and the development of a comprehensive students’ handbook for postgraduate students. His team also created harmonized guidelines for proposal and thesis writing, ensuring a standardized approach across all postgraduate programs.
Prof. Stephen Odebero during an interview in his office at a previous event.
Prof. Odebero’s leadership has also fostered a student-centred approach to postgraduate management, advocating for the inclusion of postgraduate students in MMUSO leadership. This advocacy resulted in the appointment of Mr. Sagam Kimutai and Ms. Monicah Odero as male and female student representatives in 2022, followed by Mr. Kevin Otieno and Ms. Sophy Shitemi. These student leaders successfully lobbied for dedicated postgraduate reading spaces in the library and the allocation of specific rooms for postgraduate lectures.
Under his directorship, the DPS boardroom was fully equipped to support rigorous postgraduate defenses, attended by senior professors and faculty to ensure high academic standards.
Looking ahead, Prof. Odebero is optimistic about the future. He plans to develop a postdoctoral policy that will establish postdoctoral fellowships and research initiatives at MMUST. “We are committed to further enhancing the postgraduate experience and contributing to the academic excellence of our university,” he stated.
Congratulations to Prof. Odebero on securing another three-year term at the helm of the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies!
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
