I take this opportunity to welcome 11,000 new members to this great University marked with history. The oldest university in Kenya. We remain a premier university in Kenya. The best in East and Central Africa. Among the top 10 in Africa
This was the message of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchison to the Freshmen, Class of 2024/2025. She was speaking at Taifa Hall, on August 22, 2024.
“This orientation is to help you settle down in the university. I encourage you to embrace the dual purpose why you are here. It is much more than just learning. You are here to build lasting networks, partnerships, friendships, some of these friendships can lead to meeting future spouses. Potential employers, partners, colleagues,” she said.
She enumerated the high ranking alumni that the university has produced in the last 50 years. The alumni of the University of Nairobi are spread across the entire Judiciary, Legislature, County Governments, Private Sector, Civil Society and the entire globe.
“University of Nairobi is the place for free thinking, democratic space and human rights issues. We are home to the late Nobel Prize winner, Prof. Wangari Maathai, “she equipped.
The Vice Chancellor assured Freshers that the University of Nairobi staff and senior students are dedicated to supporting them in their academic journey. “We are committed to nurturing you, ready to face life head on. The UoN is committed to building your capacity to be potential employees, champions of industry, to become business owners like Bill Gates, James Mwangi, Wangari Maathia, “ she said.
To those who are financially challenged, the University of Nairobi, through the Dean of Students provides scholarship opportunities, bursaries, internships, they also have student exchange programs with universities across the globe,
Prof. Hutchinson advised those who need medical help to seek the services of health professionals we have in the University of Nairobi. “We have health facilities for all your needs. Seek help, it’s a sign of strength, not weaknesses. We have counsellors, “she observed.
Students were also challenged to explore other cultures and languages. We have over 42 communities in Kenya. “Appreciate, Learn and interact with diverse cultures. We have Portuguese, French, Arabic, German, Chinese, expand the place of your territory,” advised the Vice Chancellor.
