Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-05 07:26:59
Egerton University, an 85-year-old institution with a rich history, is facing financial turmoil that is taking a toll on its staff and operations. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Isaac Ongubo Kibwage, delivered a New Year’s speech to a somber crowd of lecturers and non-teaching staff, highlighting the dire financial situation the university finds itself in. Despite a commitment from the government to provide funding in the next six months, the dark cloud of financial instability still looms over the institution.
The mood at the staff meeting was far from celebratory, with many expressing their frustration at the university’s failure to pay them their full salaries since the outbreak of Covid-19. The lecturers and non-teaching staff have been receiving only 60% of their salaries, while other public universities have continued to pay their staff in full. The university owes the staff more than Sh2 billion in pension contributions and other statutory deductions, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the employees.
One of the most contentious issues is the decision by the financially crippled university to convert all salary arrears into Pending Bills, against the wishes of the staff. This move has raised concerns about the university’s compliance with labor laws and has sparked anger among the employees who feel that their hard-earned salaries are being unjustly withheld.
In an attempt to mitigate the financial crisis, the Ministry of Education has agreed to bridge the funding gap deficit of Sh50 million per month for the next six months. However, the university must take proactive steps to increase its student population to attract more funding from the government. The government has formulated a new higher education funding model for public universities, and Egerton University must adapt to these changes in order to secure its financial stability.
The university’s senior lecturers have emphasized the need to transform the admissions office into a recruiting office, in order to actively seek out new students and increase enrollment. With the government’s new funding model, Egerton University will receive additional funding for every student enrolled, providing a much-needed financial boost.
In addition to increasing student enrollment, the university must also address issues of overstaffing in some departments and streamline its academic offerings to align with market demand. Certain degree programs have failed to attract students, leading to underutilized resources and financial strain on the university. By focusing on competitive programs such as veterinary medicine, engineering, law, and medicine, Egerton University can attract more students and improve its financial standing.
The government has shown its commitment to supporting public universities through increased budgetary allocations, and Egerton University must seize this opportunity to revitalize its operations. With strategic planning, marketing efforts, and a focus on financial sustainability, the university can overcome its current challenges and thrive in the ever-evolving higher education landscape.
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