By Kurian Musa
Twenty-five Egerton University students have benefited from the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship Programme following the presentation of financial support by the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, in an initiative aimed at supporting needy but deserving students and recognising excellence in Chinese language studies.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. George Mungiria Muthaa received the financial cheque on behalf of the University, flanked by members of the University management during the award ceremony.
Of the 25 beneficiaries, 20 were selected based on financial need and academic merit, while five others were recognised for their outstanding performance in Chinese language studies.
The initiative highlights the growing educational partnership between Egerton University and China, particularly in promoting access to higher education, advancing language learning and creating opportunities for students to acquire skills that enhance their competitiveness in the global employment market.
Speaking during the ceremony, Prof. Muthaa congratulated the beneficiaries for securing the scholarship opportunity, describing it as a significant investment in their education and future careers.
He challenged them to make the best use of the support by remaining focused on their studies and working towards becoming responsible citizens who would contribute meaningfully to society upon graduation.
He observed that supporting students to successfully complete their university education was central to the University's commitment to improving internal efficiency and enhancing student retention.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor noted that when students discontinue their studies due to financial challenges, institutions are affected in their efforts to achieve optimal internal efficiency.
He therefore described the scholarship initiative as an important intervention in ensuring that deserving students remain in university and realise their academic aspirations.
Prof. Muthaa also commended the team responsible for identifying the beneficiaries, particularly acknowledging the transparency and fairness demonstrated during the selection process.
He challenged the University to embrace and replicate the same principles across its operations, noting that the exercise provided an important example of how deserving students could be identified through fair and accountable processes.
He encouraged the University to build on the initiative and make transparency, fairness and accountability integral components of its institutional culture.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Bernard Aduda, urged the beneficiaries to maintain high standards of discipline and work hard in their studies, reminding them that receiving a scholarship came with the responsibility of demonstrating commitment, integrity and academic excellence.
Prof. Aduda challenged the students not to allow the financial support to make them complacent but instead use the opportunity as motivation to achieve even greater academic success. He emphasised that discipline, dedication and responsible conduct were essential in ensuring that they fully benefited from the opportunity.
Prof. Muthaa further encouraged the students to establish a strong support network through which they could motivate one another, share experiences and work collectively towards achieving their academic goals. He challenged them to uphold the University's core values, embrace diversity and cultivate a culture of teamwork, respect and mutual support.
The students were also urged to prepare adequately for their examinations and avoid examination malpractice, which could jeopardise their academic progress and undermine the confidence of their sponsors and supporters.
Particular emphasis was placed on the opportunity to learn Chinese, with Prof. Muthaa encouraging the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the language programme.
He observed that proficiency in Chinese would give the students a competitive advantage in the employment market, noting that while many graduates might possess similar academic qualifications, additional language skills could distinguish them and expand their professional opportunities.
He encouraged the students to view Chinese language proficiency as an added advantage that could open doors to international engagements, business opportunities and career development.
The ceremony was attended by key University officials, including Director of the Confucius Institute Prof. Arnold Opiyo, Dean of Students Dr. Japhet Muthamia and Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilisation Prof. Nzula Kitaka, who participated in the award presentation and receipt of the scholarship support.
On behalf of the University, Prof. Muthaa reaffirmed Egerton University's commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Chinese Embassy and facilitating the achievement of shared objectives in education, student development and international cooperation.
He noted that the University remained committed to nurturing the partnership to ensure that students continued to benefit from opportunities that enhance their academic, professional and personal development.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor also conveyed the University's sincere condolences to the Director, who was unable to attend the ceremony because she was out of the country, assuring her of the University's solidarity and support during the difficult period.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Muthaa urged the beneficiaries to become ambassadors of the scholarship programme, the Chinese Embassy and Egerton University by demonstrating excellence, integrity, discipline and responsible citizenship.
He expressed confidence that the students would use the opportunity to transform their lives, contribute positively to society and strengthen the educational relationship between Egerton University and China.
The scholarship initiative underscores the importance of international partnerships in expanding access to higher education, supporting financially disadvantaged learners, recognising talent and equipping students with additional competencies to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
By Kurian Musa
Communications Officer,
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization.
