Private Universities’ Appeal for Government Funding
Private universities have urged the government to create a fair funding model for all institutions of higher learning in the country to protect parents from the present economic downturn.
Prof Njenga Munene, Vice Chancellor of Zetech University, has stated that the country cannot afford to have a divisive standpoint in education for the common welfare of not just students but also the country, especially at this time when the cost of living has skyrocketed.
Prof. Munene, speaking at the institution’s 7th graduation ceremony at their Mang’u Main Campus, said that while applauding the government’s support thus far, the fair treatment of all universities would make higher learning appealing, allowing the country to earn foreign exchange from international students.
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The VC stated that the university has received support from the Ministry of Education, the University Funding Board, the Higher Education Loans Board, the University and Colleges Central Placement Board, and the Commission for University Education over the years and urged continuing collaboration.
He stated that the rising cost of living hurts parents and other sponsors, making it difficult for them to continue funding their children’s education, therefore the necessity for government assistance.
Professor Munene emphasized the necessity of a collaborative approach, citing previous instances where their students had benefited from it. He expressed concerns that a divisive approach to education funding would harm the country. The professor stressed the importance of supporting all universities to transform into revenue-generating sources.
Students at private institutions will not be eligible for scholarships, unlike those at public universities, and will only receive financing up to a set ceiling under the new funding model.
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The VC stated that they have established new courses in Information, Communication and technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Computing to help their students integrate into the job market.
“The world is shifting fast towards ICT, thus the need to leverage our programs to enable our students to become marketable,” he said.
The Chief Guest, Microsoft Africa Development Centre CEO Catherine Muraga, stressed the importance of all colleges developing technology courses to remain relevant and market their students.
At the same time, Muraga urged corporate executives to mentor and hire recent graduates.
They emphasized the need for our companies to adapt to new working methods, not just by embracing new technologies but also by paying attention to the desires of the younger generation and consistently training them to integrate into our teams.
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She mentioned that technological breakthroughs were altering their companies, reshaping production methods, and causing disruption within their organizations. She highlighted that young minds were leading this revolution.
Private Universities’ Appeal for Government Funding