Our universities should rethink their model

Many Kenyan youth are currently exploring undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as they consider their next steps in education.

You have probably come across those May intake campaigns from universities, colleges and vocational training centres as they seek enrollments for the upcoming semester. As you eagerly anticipate your next academic step or a postgraduate opportunity, a pressing question arises: Is academic excellence alone sufficient for success?

For years, higher learning institutions have been so focused on offering academic programmes with little to no care about student life balance. The value of higher education has largely been measured by grades, degrees and course offerings.

While many institutions pride themselves on offering a high quality standard academic curriculum, that meet the accreditation requirement, many students find themselves unfulfilled beyond the classroom walls and struggle with the realities of campus life.

The Commission for University Education’s (CUE) 2022 report revealed that while enrollment in higher learning institution increased by 9 per cent over a period of five years, student satisfaction decreased by 14 per cent. Most students mentioned poor mentorship, lack of key support and weak industry links as major challenges.

However, several local and international universities are recognising the need to have a holistic development for students. From gym and sporting activities to mentorship programs to career readiness initiatives to mental well-being these institutions are putting in effort to ensure the students have a fulfilling educational experience.

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For prospective students and their families who are looking into taking that bold step towards their careers, it’s important to consider institutions that provide holistic learning. It’s not just academics that matter but other parts of student life as well.

For instance, United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has programmes and initiatives that extend beyond classroom sessions. They facilitate activities such as sports that have led students to participate in local, regional and international sports, placements and career services that have helped students and alumni explore, develop, and pursue meaningful careers over their lifetime, mental health services etc. all supported by state-of-the-art facilities like the gym and qualified faculty and staff.

Universities should invest in support services that address students’ academic, emotional, and professional needs. Higher education must evolve. This should be a wakeup call for all stakeholders from students and parents to donors and partners to the individual institutions to policy makers.

Holistic learning is the way to go to produce all rounded graduates. Donors and policy makers should go beyond supporting academic programmes. They should champion for and/or provide funding that facilitate programs that enhance student life, from mental health services to career counselling.

Gone are the days where campus life was purely academics. Where a lecturer would attend two or three lessons and call it a semester leaving students to struggle on their own without proper guidance. As we envision the future of higher education in Kenya, it’s crucial for institutions to stop seeing students as just academic recipients going through the system.

-The writer is a communication practitioner