The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (in black suit), the Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Lubao FM journalists.
The MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo yesterday, 6th December, 2022 hosted Lubao FM Journalists in readiness to conduct the forthcoming graduation ceremony. The event which took place at the Vice Chancellor’s office was geared towards interviewing the VC on the level of preparedness towards the 18th graduation ceremony slated for Friday, 9th December, 2022.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged that the University has achieved a lot and preparations are underway in readiness for the big day. He revealed that the University is expecting 3,802 graduands and a good number of dignitaries, including, religious and political leaders as well as the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi who will receive an Honoris Causa (Honorary Degree) during the graduation ceremony.
“Organizing graduation events has been a challenge during the COVID- 19 pandemic era but things have normalized recently. The forthcoming graduation ceremony will be held physically and complemented virtually on television and the University social media handles,” stated Prof. Shibairo.
The Vice Chancellor speaking during the interview with Lubao FM journalist, Mr. Javan Sajida.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that MMUST is a student- centered institution that recognizes students’ needs. The Vice Chancellor emphasized the need for a proper footbridge, students’ centre and boarding facilities. He called upon well-wishers and partners to support MMUST for effective service delivery.
“Students have been facing challenges throughout their learning process. About 500 students may miss graduation due to incomplete payment of school fees. However, the Deans have worked hard to ensure that we have valid graduation lists,” said Prof. Shibairo.
Notably, the VC hinted that through the University’s flagship programmes such as Engineering and Health Sciences, the University management looks forward to tackling issues of malaria, sickle cell anaemia and herbal medicine. As a result, the University needs structures to support the project.
The Vice Chancellor extended a hand of appreciation to the University Alumni who have been very supportive in terms of contributions and fundraising. They look forward to identifying and coming up with a project in the University. Expressing his delight, the Vice Chancellor pointed out that there are several solutions to the lack of school fees menace, stating that the University through its Chancellor has come up with a fund.
“We have launched an alternative fund, the ‘Chancellor’s Endowment Fund’ which is an initiative that helps needy students pay their school fees. We are coming up with criteria where students who show good progress in academia and prove an inability to pay fees will benefit from the fund. We are calling upon everyone to contribute to the initiative so that we can support our students. Besides, the CDF has been quite helpful to the needy students,” explained Prof. Shibairo.
The Vice Chancellor receiving a crate of water from Lubao FM Journalists after the interview.
Further, Prof. Shibairo commended the new government’s taskforce which will improve the quality of education in the country especially at the University level. He added that the government will help the University establish accommodation.
“We have pride in providing quality education in various fields of expertise. Our lecturers have offered the best training to our graduands and they are ready for the job market. They have the capacity to secure good jobs and can also become entrepreneurs. The students who are willing to continue with further studies should do so as we anticipate to admit students in January. I wish everyone a merry X-mas and a prosperous New Year, 2023,” stated Prof. Shibairo.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Verna Awuor
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu
