The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Vice chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar has urged the newly elected TUM student leaders to uphold highest standards of integrity while serving students in various capacities.

Addressing TUM  Students Association (TUMSA) officials during an induction workshop, held at Sunset Paradise Resort on February 6, 2024, Prof Laila urged the young leaders to lead by example. 

“You have been elevated to lead a student population of 18,600.This is a huge responsibility; it now behooves upon you to work more on your character. It is what  determines the kind of person you are. Remember you are the bridge between the University management and students,” Prof Laila said.

The vice chancellor informed the student representatives to familiarize themselves with the Vision, Mission, Motto and Core Values of the Institution and to spread the gospel to the rest of the students.

Prof Laila reminded the student leaders to address their dress code and encourage other students to follow suit. She emphasized that some students have abused the concept of my dress my choice by dressing indecently. 

She declared that her administration would not condone indecent dressing. 

The Vice chancellor informed the student leaders that universities in Kenya are currently facing financial constraints; therefore, she advised the student representatives to exercise emotional intelligence when dealing with student issues at the university.

She reiterated that there is a laid down procedure to address all issues affecting students and urged them to follow the right channel instead of rioting.

“We are operating with limited resources. This problem cuts across all universities, so please if you don’t get whatever you have requested on time, just bear with us. As parents we want the best for you, but sometimes our hands are tied due to tough economic times,” the VC said.

Prof Laila disclosed that in two months time, the University will advertise several positions for lecturers and senior lecturers to boost the quality of learning at the University.

While responding to question from the TUMSA President Elvis Otieno alias Beast, Prof Laila highlighted that TUM will put up a student center worth Ksh 50M in Manyani in the next financial year 2025/2026.

The Vice chancellor took her last bit of the presentation to inform the student leaders about the new University funding model. 

She added: “Once we receive the fees from the first years, a certain percentage will be directed to the dean’s office to cater for sports and TUMSA activities.”

Other key speakers in the induction workshop were: Director Quality assurance Dr Sylvia Mutua who gave detailed presentation on Quality Standards; Finance officer Mr Dalton Mwaghogho had a presentation on financial management and budgeting; and the Registrar academic affairs Dr Cromwel Kibiti talked about the academic policy. The Registrar for Administration and Planning Dr Shivani Patel took them through good resource management while the Dean of Students Mr Joel Awino delivered a presentation on dynamics of leadership.