Varsity Focus (December 2009)

Abstract

It is the end of the year and again this issue of the Varsity Focus takes stock of the milestones in the later part of 2009 and also updates you on some of the recent activities in the University. The month of December is normally associated with the graduation ceremony for the Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences. On fourth December 2009, this lot will constitute the 42nd congregation ceremony and conferment of degrees and award of diplomas to more than 3,500 students at all levels. The congregation will be in addition to the 3976 graduands awarded during the 41st ceremony held in September this year. This graduation will increase our alumni base close to 115,000 since we became a full fledged University in 1970.

In the last quarter of this academic year, over 9000 new students joined various academic programmes . The students from all levels, have since been oriented with the University life and are progressing well with their academic acitivities.

Elsewhere, the Department of Surgery, School of Medicine partnered with the Starkey Foundation to distribute over 4000 pairs of hearing aids to affected people in Nairobi and Kisumu. Also, the School of Dental Sciences received a micotome while the Department of Ophthalmology received a retcan from Daisy’s Eye Cancer Fund.

In its public outreach activities, the University participated in this year’s Nairobi International Trade Fair and the Public Service Week. In both activities, the University was represented by all colleges and central administration. This is on top of earlier efforts that included participation in the national and regional exhibitions and the annual open day that was held in May this year. Our collaboration with international institutions also moved a notch higher.

In November we hosted the World Bank Vice President for Africa Region, Ms. Obiageli Ezekwesili who was on official tour of the country and shared with students and staff in a lively interactive session on issues of youth unemployment and their role in development. Our association with Chinese institutions led to the UoN successfully hosting a four- day International Confucius Institutes Conference in October – the first such conference to be held in Africa. The prospects of strengthening ties were further boosted by the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Deng Hong who promised to enhance collaboration between UoN and leading Chinese Universities.

Well, all these 2009 activities will be crowned by the 2009 sports extravaganza featuring local universities between December 17 and 22, 2009. The event, showcasing most indoor and outdoor games, will staged at UoN and will be open to the public. What a sporty way to say bye to 2009 and usher in the end year holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy 2010.

- Charles E. Sikulu -