The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) formally welcomed 2,550 first-year students during the orientation ceremony held on Monday, 15th September 2025. The event, graced by the Vice Chancellor, senior administrators, and student leaders, was marked by a strong call to discipline, innovation and social impact.
In her keynote address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laila Abubakar, congratulated the freshers on their admission and reminded them that they are now part of TUM’s proud and growing legacy. She celebrated their entry into the University’s history, encouraging them to work hard, take responsibility, and seize every opportunity to shape their future. Quoting Nelson Mandela, she said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Prof. Abubakar also spoke about the rich history of the University, tracing its growth from its establishment in 1948 as the Mombasa Institute of Muslim Education (MIOME) to its transformation into the Technical University of Mombasa in 2013. She highlighted some of TUM’s recent milestones, including hosting the prestigious Consortium of New Sub-Saharan African Medical Schools (CONSAMS) Conference, excelling at the ASK Show with award-winning innovations, and the launch of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the first of its kind in Mombasa. She urged students to embrace creativity and innovation. This aligns with TUM’s broader commitment to equip graduates with the skills and mindset to create opportunities and solutions for society, rather than merely seek jobs.
At the same time, she emphasized that freedom has its limits, warning students against drug abuse, gambling, indecent dressing, and reckless behaviours such as swimming without skills. She reminded them that TUM is a drug-free zone and that discipline, integrity, and respect must be the guiding values of their university life. She also touched on the importance of making responsible choices when it comes to sexuality, advising students to guard themselves against HIV and encouraging abstinence as the surest way to protect their health and future.
The Vice Chancellor urged students to look beyond academics and focus on the bigger picture of service to society. “As you come to TUM, your journey is not only about what you will get, but also what you will give back to society. Your success is not only measured by the degree you’ll earn but by the lives you’ll impact,” she said. She added that the University’s mission goes far beyond conferring certificates: “We don’t want to just give you a degree. We want to nurture values, character, creativity, courage, and confidence. Leave a mark in society,” she said, urging the students to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
Beyond academics, she encouraged the new students to take part in extracurricular activities, saying these experiences would shape them into well-rounded graduates ready to impact society.
The event was attended by Deputy Vice Chancellor (AFP), Prof. Joseph Rasowo, together with registrars, deans, directors, and chairs of departments. They each introduced themselves to the students, underscoring the University’s commitment to welcoming and guiding the new cohort.
Earlier in the day, the freshers had been addressed by other university officials. The Dean of Students, Mr. Joel Awino, spoke at length about student welfare, insisting on discipline, morality, integrity, and hard work as the foundation of success. He reminded students that their ultimate goal was to acquire knowledge and skills to function well in society. The Head of Guidance and Counselling, Dr. Soud Tengah, also addressed the students, outlining the services available and reminding them that their academic journey is not a sprint but a marathon.
The Sports Officer, Mr Anthony Mwanzia, underscored the importance of sports and encouraged students to take advantage of the different teams and opportunities offered by the University. Security officers, Mr Peter and Ms Shufaa Rhova, spoke candidly about drugs, theft, student identification cards, and dress code, while an officer from the Registrar's office, Mr Hashim Zein, guided students on the importance of reading the student handbook, proper registration of units, and avoiding exam malpractice.
The orientation also provided an opportunity for student leaders to introduce themselves. The TUMSA president, Mr Joseph Oloo, urged students to take ownership of their university experience, telling them: “Make TUM the university you want it to be.” The Gender Mainstreaming Chair, Ms Bibiye Mahmoud, encouraged students to speak out against gender-based abuse and to seek help when needed, reminding them of the vices that freshers are often preyed on. In her role as Innovation Chair, she also challenged students to be creative and embrace innovation as a pathway to becoming job creators.
The orientation ceremony ended on a hopeful note, with the Vice Chancellor reminding students that their time at TUM is not only about earning a degree, but also about building character and preparing to make an impact in Kenya, Africa, and beyond.
