The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo’s annual farewell address to fourth year students was held on 4th April, 2024 to reflect upon and celebrate the students’ four year academic journey.
The daylong celebration kicked-off with a presentation by Dr. Irene Simiyu on resume presentation and personal etiquettes during interviews. Dr. Christine Nabwire enlightened the students about courtship and dating and Rev. Michael Masambu on life after college. These presentations were intended to assist the students to be holistic after campus, both in their careers and personal life. Outgoing students’ leaders led by the outgoing Students’ President, Dennis Baraka, also had an opportunity to address their colleagues and encourage each other for a resilient four year journey. The leaders, drawn from various Schools and Faculties, wished their colleagues well as they exit the institution and embark on a journey of marketing themselves to the job market.
The Ag. DVC Academics and Students’ Affairs, Prof. Stanley Mutsotso noted that Kibabii University has always produced quality graduates over the years due to the excellent education and training offered in the institution. Evidence of this was the recent absorption of our 2023 graduates in a government programme known as the Rapid Tech Skills (RTS). The RTS is an initiative fully funded by World Bank training programme to equip students with technology skills. This year, Kibabii University was among 8 universities picked to offer this trainings nationwide and 33 of its graduates of 2023 selected. Prof. Mutsotso implored on the students to market the institution well as the University has strived to offer them quality training and make them outstanding in the job market, not just as job seekers, but also job creators.
Speaking during the event, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Donald Siamba thanked the students for turning up in large numbers to celebrate this milestone. He reminded the audience that learning is a continuous process and that the journey must never end. The Ag.VC reminded the outgoing students of how special a group they were as they had waded through a myriad of challenges that included the COVID-19 pandemic, introduction of virtual learning, among others. Despite these challenges, this group has been outstanding, dedicated and focused on their academic journey and exhibited a high level of flexibility.
Prof. Siamba challenged the students to package themselves properly by dressing the part. To him, one’s dressing allows the public to assess the value of an individual and their ability to be trusted. He also asked the audience to create good CVs which act as a perfect mirror of someone. “A good CV will market an individual even without a single word being uttered. Partnerships and being open minded will open doors, create opportunities and networks that one has never imagined,” said Prof. Siamba.
The ceremony came to a close with the ceremonial cake cutting where the Ag.VC had an opportunity to share a cake with the outgoing students, faculty and staff.
