Get a pdf version of this speech.
1). Welcome
I take this opportunity to welcome all of you to the Mombasa Polytechnic University College as you embark on your academic journey that will define your career in the years ahead.
2.) Mombasa Polytechnic University College
The Mombasa Polytechnic University College is among the oldest institutions in Kenya if not in East Africa. It has a very rich history dating back to 1950’s. It started as Mombasa Institute of Muslim Education (M.I.O.M.E), then in 1966 changed to Mombasa Technical Institute (M.T.I) and later in 1972 to Mombasa Polytechnic and to Mombasa Polytechnic University College in August 2007. Many notable personalities have passed through this institution and left a mark to mention but a few:- the renowned scholar Prof. Ali Mazrui, Mr Patrick Njiru the famed Safari rally ace, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Farah Mohamed among others.
3.) Vision
The College you have joined whose Vision is A World Class University In Engineering, Science & Technology intends to achieve this vision through training and producing disciplined and qualified people in Engineering, Science and Technological fields. We are committed to excellence and quality delivery of service by being prompt, transparent and accountable in all our undertakings in line with good corporate governance.
4.) Orientation
Today is the final day of this orientation whose purpose apart from welcoming you is to enable you to get to know the place, the people and our expectations is that you will have the opportunity if you have not done so to meet the faculty, to appreciate what is in place before embarking on your academics.
5.) Kenyans
We appreciate that though you come from different social, economical, and religious backgrounds, you are all Kenyans pursuing a common goal, education. It is our sincere hope that you will surely fit in this community and relate well with everybody as you pursue your career.
6.) Expectations
Your joining MPUC comes with a lot of expectations on your part, parents, colleagues and lecturers. All of us have one thing in common, and that is to see you succeed in your studies, failure to do so will lead to disappointments and frustrations.
7.) Resources
The College has put in place various resources to enable trainees accomplish their dream in line with vision 2030 which aims at making Kenya a newly industrialized country by 2030.
We have endeavored and we shall continue to provide facilities in the form of books, workshops/ laboratories to facilitate the programmes. Computer studies have been integrated in all the MPUC programmes to enable students to access the internet for research and get the latest information. We are trying to increase facilities that are of quality but affordable. The Catering Department sells meals that are pocket friendly. The Dispensary provides first line treatment as guardians and parents take other responsibilities. We have limited accommodation facilities given on first come, first serve basis.
.
We are exploring possibilities to expand the accommodation resources permitting. All these facilities are intended to provide a conducive learning environment to enable you achieve your dreams. You have a responsibility as an individual to take care of these facilities which have served us well over the years.
8.) College Rules and Regulations
Every organized society/community requires rules to regulate its relationships and MPUC is no exception. Every student must have a copy of the rules and take time to be conversant with them. The statutes particularly guide us achieve and make decisions. They cover the administrative organs, academics, general discipline, accommodation and examinations. Rules enable us to live our lives as civilized people who are aware of their rights and obligations.
Please observe these rules to avoid pitfalls in life which can be very costly at times. Whereas we appreciate that we don’t have college uniform, we expect all our students to dress decently as future managers by avoiding wearing attires that make us uncomfortably in the presence of colleagues and members of the public.
9.) Academic programmes
Our academic programmes are of high quality geared towards the labour market. They are competitive and industry driven. They range from Engineering, Science, Technology, Business and Social Sciences. Ensure that you pass your exams and attain what you have come for.
10.) Industrial Attachment
As part of the course requirements, you are expected to go for Industrial/Internship attachment to acquire practical knowledge/experience relevant to your training. During this period you are expected to adhere to the company/organization rules, and exhibit a high degree of discipline and professionalism. The industrial experience should form a valuable part of your CV and give you a competitive advantage over others when it comes to looking for employment.
11.) Communication Channels
While pursuing your studies, we have channels of communication to facilitate basic communication within the college.
We are transparent and operate open door policy. We encourage dialogue within the community to handle issues of whatever nature.
Apart from the laid down procedures we communicate through notices, meetings and Web Site, among others.
Let us exercise open and free communication to address issues which might cause misunderstanding. Let us use communication as a tool, to enhance positive relationships and help each other to cope with situations.
Use your communication skills in a positive manner. Whenever you have issues affecting your academic life here, go through the class representative, (SUMPUC), class tutor, Chairperson of Department (COD), then the Deans, the Deputy Principals and finally the management.
12.) Student Governance
You are the leaders of tomorrow, that I have no doubt. You are the future CEOs and Managers of big institutions. You are the people who will matter in the society, but to bring the point home, among you are going to be class representatives, club leaders, student leaders, co-ordinators and so on.
But remember leaders are not born but they are made. You will hence have the opportunity to join the Students governing body.
Leadership requires humility and sacrifices. Leadership at whatever level accords you the opportunity to serve others. Always take the first line when there is danger and then people will appreciate your leadership.
General Collins Powell says that “Leaders are almost great simplifiers who can cut through arguments, debate and no doubt to offer a solution anybody can understand” We hope you will be those leaders who are solution providers rather than negative critics through and through.
13.) Fees
You are required to pay all your fees to access essential services. You cannot sit for examinations unless you have cleared your fees. A student is defined as that who has paid all fees! Adequate reminders shall be given by the administration, please take them seriously.
14.) Interventions
We appreciate that some of you come from highly disadvantaged backgrounds and there could be interventions here and there which you must compete for, as per guiding rules and regulations. They are in the form of scholarships, Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and Students Works Programme but these can’t guarantee to clear your fees, so your parents/guardians must strive to meet their obligations of paying fees. You however, should be aware that applicants are thoroughly screened to identify deserving cases to be assisted.
15.) Co – curricular activities
We encourage you to take time-off from your busy academic schedule to participate in co-curricular activities. We have excelled at the national level in music and drama and your participation will ensure our continuing dominance. If you have talent you will have the opportunity to use it and who knows you can make a living out of it, as many other Kenyans have done!
16.) Culture
For most of you from upcountry and first timers in Mombasa you will be able to sample the rich cultural heritage that the coast is well known for. Here at the Coast people are courteous, welcoming and value respect for each other. Please exercise it whenever an opportunity presents itself.
17.) Recreation
Mombasa is a touristic town with many world class entertainment spots and historical sites, the Indian Ocean, the famous Fort Jesus etc., but please do not venture to swim in the ocean if you have no experience! Do not be mesmerized by the pleasures of Mombasa and forget the main aim and objective of being here, that of Education and Excellence.
18.) Security
Just like in any other urban centre take great care of your personal security we shall play our part.
19.) Your Role as a student
As a College we have put in place the necessary infrastructure to enable you study. The successful accomplishment is your dream. It is the guiding light as you navigate through your academic world. I believe that the career you have chosen is not an accident.
You will face many challenges but you have what it takes to achieve your dream as our motto states, “Endeavour and Achieve”.
It is well known that great people are ordinary people with extra ordinary determination.
There are a number of variables that would shape your life at MPUC. Your dreams, people you meet, the books you read and the challenges you encounter.
18.2.) Dreams
You are here for a reason and a season to pursue your dreams. It is said that the poorest man on earth is a man without a dream and the most frustrated man on earth is a man with a dream that never becomes a reality. When the passion for your dream is unquenched then quitting is unthinkable and that makes victory inevitable.
Do not lose focus of your dream even though the going may be tough. Remain focused and committed at all times.
18.2.) Information Centres
We have put up a library and digital centre for accessing information. We expect you to use them to read and develop a culture of reading Those who read passionately end up being read. You cannot separate readership from leadership as John Maxwell says “If you stop learning you stop leading.”
Books give us new insight, they provoke our imagination and as a result we become more creative and express ourselves in a unique way with an impressive identity. You have the opportunity to read and become somebody in life, somebody who matters. We are encouraging you to develop a reading culture. We can only produce a worthwhile contribution in society if we are informed.
18.3) Friends
In the course of your stay, you will make friends. Man is not an Island so they say, hence you are bound to make friends as you pursue your academic career. The people you surround yourself with will influence and shape your destiny. A conversation with the right person can be more valuable than many years of study.
People who relate with each other tend to rub traits against each other as the wise book says, “Iron sharpens iron.” Positive people tend to influence each other positively while the reverse is true.
Study your social environment and surround yourself with people who will make you comfortable, inspire, mentor you positively and eventually make you a better you!
19) Challenges
As you pursue your studies, you will meet many challenges/adversities that cause some men to break and others to break records, so the ball is in your court, will you break it or will you break records?
Martin Luther King Jr once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of joy and comfort but where he stands in times of challenges and controversy.” The great men must go through challenges to become who they are in history e.g.( Jomo Kenyatta, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela among others).
To become great requires self sacrifices and persistence as the saying goes, never, never give up. Even when faced with insurmountable challenges, soldier on though the going might be tough at times.
19.1) Freedom
As you have joined the University, some of you have started experiencing a lot of freedom which they have not had before.
We should all keep in mind that freedom comes with responsibilities. Bryan Tracy says, “The acceptance of personal responsibility is when you separate a superior person and the average person. Personal responsibility is the premium trait of leadership and the well spring of high persistence in every person in every situation.” Accepting responsibility is the freedom of high self esteem, self respect and personal pride.
Accepting personal responsibilities is the core of the personality of every outstanding man or woman. If we approach life casually, we end up as casualties. Life is not a rehearsal and so do not learn safety by accident. We therefore expect you not to engage in risky behavior.
19.2) Time Management
One of a students’ greatest challenge is time management. We are living in a complex world with too many activities competing at the same time as C.S Lewis said, “That the future is something everyone approaches at the rate of 60 min an hour whatever he does, wherever he is.” It is the only resource equally given to all men and women.
Your success in life is determined on how well you spend your time. Poor time management could be a major source of stress, frustrations, conflicts and regrets in life.
We all appreciate the value of time. Time is money, there is no time to waste. Keep time, save time, time is not on your side. Always prepare a time budget on how to spend your time.
1. Have a time schedule
2. Get rid of unnecessary friends
3. Stick to your routine
4. Do not delay an action/procrastinate
Make the most out of the time you have, because there will be no time.
19.3) Peer Pressure – Drugs/HIV
Many young people are confronted by many social challenges that derail them from their core goal(s). Many are swept away and fall by the way side and never reach their goals.
If you don’t stand on something you will fall for anything. There is a Chinese proverb that says, “A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows the public opinion.” There are many ways to kill a rat and hence many ways to terminate your studies. And as you all know AIDS and Drugs kill and would like us to uphold the slogan that says “To Chill from drugs, sex, beer.”
19.4) Career Opportunities
We appreciate that opportunities for higher learning have come up in the public and private sector for people to acquire better skills. This has brought with it challenges that i.e stiff competition for limited opportunities in the labour market. It is only those with exemplary qualifications and skills who will survive. You should therefore be prepared to set high standards, so that you can secure the limited job opportunities in the market.
19.5) Personal Finances
Some of you are going to manage the finance for the first time. Financial resources are limited and require thriftiness to manage. You need to know how to budget and setting of priorities to avoid financial embarrassment which may tempt you, please be yourself.
20.) Future Assurance
We pledge to create a conducive environment, provide the resources, focused leadership for you to achieve your dreams. When I look in front of me I see vibrant young people with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I hope that the energy you have you shall use it to your best for the benefit of yourselves and others.
Many groups have come and gone and yours is no exception but what you do is what will count. What do you want to be remembered for? Martin Luther King Jr. says, “If you are a sweeper, sweep like never before so that when you are no more, people will say that there used to be a sweeper who swept the streets clean”.
In conclusion we have a dream of making Mombasa Polytechnic University College a World Class University. We are cooling upon you to join us in making this dream a reality in our life time. You owe this legacy to yourself and future generation to come.
I believe that together we can!
Thanks and God Bless You!
Prof. J. K. Z Mwatelah
PRINCIPAL Date: 10th June, 2010