Murang’a University of Technology Vice Chancellor Prof. Dickson Nyariki has said certificates obtained at the university after successful completion of a course should be rightfully earned.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony of over 2,000 freshmen students at the university ground on Friday, Nyariki said that a certificate should not be a mere piece of paper to show that someone has attended a university, but rather it must confirm that one has attained some skill.
“You must help us to ensure that your certificates are respected by your potential employers,” he said, adding that the university is determined to make a significant contribution in terms of preparing men and women with the requisite capacity to provide solutions to various social and economic challenges facing humanity.
The VC stated that during the orientation week, the university rules and regulations were highlighted by the management to guide the students navigate life in their entire stay at the university.
One of the most critical rules and regulations emphasized by Nyariki related to examination rules and regulations, which addressed how students should conduct themselves during examinations.
“In the unfortunate event you are involved in cheating and you are discovered, be ready to face dire consequences,” he said, adding that the university does not tolerate any malpractice in the examinations.
With the enrolment of the first year students, he said, the total number of students at the university now stands close to 9,000, adding that this number is however expected to grow to over 10,000 students within the next year or two.
The university, Nyariki highlighted, is currently constructing two hostels, with a view to increasing the number of students who can get accommodation, unlike previously, where some learners were left at the mercy of private developers to offer them accommodation.
“We are aware of the accommodation issue facing the university. Once completed, the two hostels will accommodate a total of 1000 students,” said Nyariki adding that this will be an addition to the over three hundred existing hostels.
Meanwhile, the VC has advised the students that as much as academic success was great, it must be accompanied by discipline in order to adequately prepare them to face the world.
“I have seen many during our times who have excelled in academics and have miserably failed in life,” he said, adding that success definitely requires one to desist from detrimental indulgences like excess alcohol consumption, drug and substance abuse and casual sexual relations.
He observed that first year students are particularly vulnerable to the pitfalls of life because they find themselves with significantly higher freedom, compared to their time in high schools.
“These freedoms if not exercised with some degree of responsibility, will most likely lead to addiction, contraction of HIV/ AIDS and eventual devastation,” he averred.
However, the VC divulged that in the unfortunate event that any student finds himself/herself in these undesirable situations and needs help, the university has well set up units assigned to help one overcome such weighty issues.
On her part, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs) Prof. Prisca Tuitoek while speaking in the same event welcomed the fresh students saying that the university’s role was to provide an atmosphere of academic freedom, social responsibility, integrity and accountability.
“The great demand for university education has clearly demonstrated in the tight competition for securing a place in the universities,” she said, adding that the students should do everything possible to utilize this opportunity well.
The ceremony marked the official entry of the first year students who have qualified for admission and have been offered courses at the university.
By Anita Omwenga
