Former Cabinet Minister and Makueni Governor, Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, has challenged students to work diligently, remain focused, steadfast and exercise integrity saying these are yardsticks for one to success.Prof. Kibwana spoke when he graced the convention on the State of Tertiary Education in Kenya, that was organized by the National Student s’ Caucus and held at the Technical University of Kenya. The caucus was led by the Executive Director, Mr. Maxwell Magawi.
The convention brought together student leaders and representatives from TU-K, University of Nairobi, Catholic University of East Africa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Africa Nazarene University, Cooperative University, among others.
“When I paid a courtesy call to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Benedict Mutua, I learnt something new from him. That when he wakes up in the morning, he writes down 10 things that he has to do and later in the day, he asks God if he has accomplished at least one. I challenge all of us to emulate him. We have to be accountable for our deeds,” said Prof. Kibwana.
He challenged students to use their time and opportunity wisely because time wasted will never be recovered. He said, “Sister Katrina once said: ‘To lose one’s youth, is to lose other opportunity, and to lose a future.” Take advantage of your youthfulness and vibrancy,” said Prof Kibwana.
He pleaded with the students to take the leadership of the country with grace and honour and learn how to solve problems without being confrontational.
“Develop skills that will take you far. Always supplement what you already have that will make it possible to develop yourself.”
Prof. Kibwana urged students to use knowledge and skills acquired to develop the society. He gave his personal experience of teaching law at the University of Nairobi. Some of his students are great minds in the legal fraternity and some are today serving in the Supreme Court.
The former Minister emphasised on the need to take education seriously, since it’s an equaliser. He challenged education institutions to invest in training and teaching what will be relevant to the outside world. “Ensure that students are able to do what they are trained to, without much struggle. That they are practically oriented and that the industry will receive them with both hands, upon completion of their studies.”
He counseled them to shun tribalism, avoid alcohol and drug use and illicit affairs which could land them in more problems.
Prof. Kibwana noted that the continent was lagging behind in matters leadership, mentorship respect to human rights and law among other aspects. He challenged students to take up the mantle and not shelf their ambitions.
He hoped that the Higher Education Funding will be streamlined so that it addresses the issues affecting students and not burden those from needy families.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Maurice Amutabi welcomed all students to TU-K terming the occasion important.
“Take advantage of every situation because you do not know whom you meet during such events,” he said and went further to narrate a story on how he attended an event at Taifa Hall while still a student, an event that later on landed him a trip to the United States of America.
“I was by then, the Chairman of Political Science club at UoN. During break time, one professor introduced me to the then ambassador of USA who informed be about a youth programme to America. I developed interest and that’s how I landed in the USA.
The DVC noted that mentorship in Kenyan universities was too low and challenged scholars to be in the frontline in championing for the same. He urged students to apply for scholarships and make right choices in life.
He cautioned them against gambling and wrong company adding that such vices will destroy their future. “Your character, ethics and values is defined by the people you associate yourself with. Choose your friends wisely, have a positive attitude, remain principled in life and be your brother’s keeper.”
Prof. Amutabi the students to market their universities at all cost and not to fall for anything less. “I feel sad when I see young people taking flights to go outside the country to study but half of them fail to finish their studies. Instead, resort to do odd jobs to survive.”
The Dean of students, Prof. Omondi Oketch, told students to consider themselves lucky and privileged to be in a university.
“Such environment challenges you intellectually. Remember that you are investing in your brain which makes you different from other people. Do not allow yourselves to be used badly by politicians to cause chaos and mayhem.”
The Muslim Chaplin, Dr. Adan Ali Adan, told the students to consider themselves lucky to be sharing a platform with a national icon and human rights defender. He challenged the students to take a keen interest in whatever information they were given.
Various issues affecting students were discussed with stakeholders. For example, funding, challenges affecting female student leadership, among others. The event was sponsored by ActionAid, The Institute for Social Accountability, and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
