PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS – JANUARY INTAKE DURING STUDENTS ORIENTATION

Good afternoon,

On behalf of the University College Council, Management and my own behalf let me take this opportunity to welcome all of you to The Mombasa Polytechnic University College.

Your admission to this institution marks the turning point towards realization of your dreams/goals. As Gary Ryan Blair did put it right; “a goal is created three times; First, as a mental picture. Second, when written down to add clarity and dimension. And third, when you take action towards its achievement”.

With this in mind, I believe what was happening in primary school, your were in the process of putting your goal into a picture- that’s why some of you used to say when I grow up I want to be an Engineer; Teacher; Pilot; Lecturer; Nurse; Doctor e.t.c. In Secondary School it became clear what you wanted to be, hence the choice of subjects and clusters, which were geared toward a certain profession. Now that you have joined the University College, you have the opportunity to take action towards achieving your dream by making sure you excel in your studies.

Remember “without dreams - there is no hope; without hope – there are no changes; without changes -there is no life….”

Allow me once gain to congratulate all of you for getting the opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious University College that is located at the heart of the most famous city of Kenya, Mombasa. Having joined an institution with a long standing history, which started as Mombasa Institute of Muslim Education (MIOME) in 1948 and was later, transformed to Mombasa Technical Institute (MTI) in 1966, of which MTI became the second National Polytechnic; Mombasa Polytechnic in 1972, and finally in 2007 it became a University College. It is my sincere hope that you will emulate our long standing history in your quest for furthering your education.

For the students who have joined the institution at certificate level, MPUC as a TIVET institution, which gives you an opportunity to Diploma and later Degree, Masters and finally to PhD. The same applies for those who have joined at Diploma, Higher Diploma and Degree Levels. As Kurt Lewin said and I quote “A successful individual typically sets his next goal somewhat but not too much above his last achievement. In this way he steadily raises his level of aspiration” end of quote.

Today you join this institution as a fresher with an assignment incomplete. You join this institution not only to gain formal education but also learn basic skills of life. Learning is both the product of sacrifice and effort on the part of the learner. The experiences gained in the course of learning are what entail education. Indeed while at this institution we will endeavor to make your experience an exciting and fulfilling one. We do not promise that it will be easy, for nothing in life is. You are going to experience both good times and challenging moments as you chart the journey called life. The lessons learnt during your stay at MPUC may turn to be an asset in your future life.

As you are seated in this hall, the person seated next to you may in few days to come turn out to be your friend, roommate, classmate or even a partner in life. Please don’t hesitate to call upon him or her when you need personal or professional assistance. He or she may become the best source of support and help at time of need. I guarantee there will be times when you wonder why you are here – that’s natural. But the people in this room and in this Campus will be there to remind you of the reasons. The relationships you develop here with the Faculty, staff and students will also help you build your career. You are all here because you want to become movers and shakers of the future. I urge you to make this happen by meeting new people, tapping into new resources and joining the MPUC Community in ensuring that this institution will be a better place than you found it. The benefits will follow you forever.

We at MPUC not only believe in open door policy but dialogue as well. We not only nurture talents and good leadership skills but also endeavour to make your stay at MPUC enjoyable, comfortable and self fulfilling. We believe that leaders aren’t born, they are made just like anything else, through hard work. Our institution has arms levels of governance, starting with the Council, which handles policy issues, the Management which handles the day today management of the institution and Unions of both staff and students which help the management in running the institution. For example the students’ Union (SUMPUC) is established through an independent constitution, students are free to choose their leaders in a democratic way and are free to air their views through dialogue and consultation with Management.

As new family members, acquaint yourselves with set rules and regulations as stipulated in the Student Handbook which shall be given to you very soon. Remember the saying “the whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going”. According to Simeon Ben Eleazar, “greater is he who acts from love than he who acts from fear”.

Let me point out that we are living in a very dynamic world. Technological advancement has made the world a global village. There are changes every day. Embrace these and ensure not to be left behind. Most importantly, use these to your advantage and growth. Take full advantage of the our well trained and experienced human resource and the available facilities within the institution to mention but just a few; library, laboratories, workshops, computer labs to make the most of your time here. REMEMBER time is not infinite. It cannot be replenished nor replaced. You might be tempted to think that you have made it in life just by being here. Do not succumb to that. Do not procrastinate (delay action) and do not fall for anything that does not add value. Hard work, discipline and determination must certainly be the key elements that drive you to the becoming a successful person. And when a roll of the MPUC alumni is called we must be seen to have impacted positively to the development both of this beautiful country and its people.

The journey has just begun. Make every effort to see the finish line. This will require more than just turning up in this institution. The realities of life out there are with us as well. There will be cases of negative influence from your peers and the society. The challenge of drugs, alcoholism and immorality is with us as well in this institution. Keep off these negative influences and shun immorality.

Keep your focus. Set your goals. Make them clear, and just like our motto, ENDEAVOUR AND ACHIEVE, set out to achieve them. Give it your best shot and you will be sure to succeed. As Descartes did put it right, “It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well”. Finally I would like to end with the wise words of Anna Pavlova, and I quote “No one can arrive from being talented alone. God gives talent, work transforms talent into genius” end of quote. With these remarks it is my pleasure to once again welcome you to this wonderful family of MPUC. I wish you every success in your endeavors in this institution. Thank you and May God Bless you.

Prof JKZ Mwatelah, PhD

Principal, Mombasa Polytechnic University College