The University Provides Leadership in the devastating Pandemic
The University of Nairobi, through its staff and students has stayed ahead and has continued to provide leadership in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic that has hit the globe.
Through the different spheres of influence especially through its researchers, the University has played a key role in providing the correct information to the public on the covid-19.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama highlighted that most UoN staff are working with the government in giving advice and educating the public through various media platforms on the novel corona virus pandemic.
Faculty and Post graduate student at the UoN’s college of health sciences have continued to offer support at the Kenyatta National Hospital and other hospitals.
The UoN’s school of Law staff and the kenya Law Reform Commission and the office of the Attorney General is drafting the Covid-19 bill while the University’s researchers are also writing proposals for research grants required for arresting the Covid-19.
Prof. Kiama urged the university community to adapt to the innovative solutions that have been proposed by the UoN’s ICT centre to continue discharging the University’s core mandate of teaching and learning.
He noted, “Necessity is the mother of invention. ICT and ODeL department have been training all staff and students on the online learning platform that is about to be rolled out.”
Prof. Kiama also mentioned the government intervention to provide network coverage and connectivity in the whole country. The University is also working with Safaricom , Telecom Kenya and other service providers to provide data bundles for learning.
In an online senate meeting held on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 the University’s senate resolved that all faculties, institutes and schools to launch online learning for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The senate approved procedures and protocol for online examination of postgraduate thesis, projects and dissertations.
Admission of new students using the online platform will also continue. The faculty will be facilitated to access their research grants to continue with their research activities. Online library resources will be made available to students and faculty from their remote locations. All students will be provided with UoN email domain access.
The Vice Chancellor pledged his support and commitment to see the University continue giving hope to Kenyans.