Varsity marks International Students’ Day

Abstract

Over 60 University of Nairobi international students marked the International Students’ Day in a forum organized by the Centre for International Programmes and Links (CIPL) in conjunction with the University of Nairobi International Students Association (UoNISA). The students not only had an opportunity to interact with one another and share their experiences in the University and Kenya but also voice their challenges to the University Management.

Christian Chuku, a 4th year engineering student from Nigeria shared his experiences as an international student in UoN, his role as a SONU student leader and the vision of UoNISA. There was a light moment when Chuku said that he had to do away with exchanging pleasantries such as greetings with his lecturers and fellow students after discovering this was not a culture embraced in the classroom as they would not respond to his greetings. He highlighted his Kenyan travels which have enabled him to interact with diverse cultures thus his great appreciation of the country.

In his key note address, Dean of Students, Dr. Fr. Dominic Wamugunda, encouraged the students to embrace a positive approach and appreciate the variation in cultures in order to fit in the society. He challenged them to take their Kenyan experiences as a learning process, not only in academic affairs but also in interpersonal and inter-cultural interactions. Prof. S. Mitema, Director, CIPL and Mr. M. Nyamu, Assistant Registrar, CIPL, are among those who spoke during the event