Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) Vice Chancellor Professor Emily Akuno has thrown her weight behind the government’s new funding model, saying it would enhance fairness in the allocation of funds to student beneficiaries.
In a press briefing after welcoming first-year students to the institution placed under KUCCPS and TVET, Prof. Akuno said that the new funding model is a privilege that should be embraced by all.
“Through the new funding model, each and every student has the opportunity to benefit from what the government has put aside, unlike before, where some deserving students missed out rightly,” Akuno said.
She observed that although many people are still grappling to understand the banding categories introduced in the new funding model, it will ensure higher education is accessible to students irrespective of their economic backgrounds.
“At JOOUST, students falling in band one will have to pay 5% from family contribution, which is about sh4,200 per semester for those taking art courses, while the remaining cost is catered through the government’s loans and scholarships.” Akuno explained
The university Don revealed that although KUCCPS and TVET placed 3500 students in the institution, about 2000 students had reported as at the end of orientation week on Friday, 23rd, while the remaining 1,500 are still expected to report in the second week.
The vice chancellor encouraged those who are yet to report to the institution over lack of fee to do so immediately because they are eligible for funding.
“I hope that none of those yet to be registered are staying away because they do not know that they can walk into the university and register. They should know that they are eligible for funding, and as an institution, we have set aside staff who will be helping such students apply for the funds once they arrive here,” she stated.
Prof. Akuno also revealed that their staff will also be assisting those students who feel that they were wrongly banded to appeal to the Higher Education Fund (HEF) for re-banding.
“If any of the students have found themselves wrongly banded from the reality of their family’s economic situation, the window is still open. We will assist you in logging into the HEF portal and appeal for re-banding,” she said.
The vice chancellor further disclosed that the university has opened its doors and will be assisting all students from the region joining different universities across the country who have difficulties in applying for funds or appealing for re-banding.
“We are offering to assist all students in the region who are facing financial application challenges, irrespective of the university they are joining. Just walk in, and you will find our staff ready to assist you. Log in to the portal and apply for funds or re-banding if you find yourself wrongly banded.” Prof. Akuno said.
She, on the other hand, asked students joining first year to shun betting and engaging in gambling activities and instead focus on education that would build their potential.
“I know that as youthful students, the urge to engage in gambling to have more money for a high-level lifestyle might tempt you into gambling. Do not be lured into gambling using resources meant for fees and accommodation. Right now, we have students who do not sit for exams and have no accommodation because of their addiction to gambling at our university.
Her cautionary remarks to first-year students joining universities come against the backdrop of recently disseminated findings from research conducted at the institution, which revealed that over 70% of the students were engaged in gambling activities, which negatively affected their studies at the university.
By Brian Ondeng
