Alupe University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Barasa recently led a two-day leadership and governance training for the newly elected Alupe University Student Organization (AUSO) council at Tom Mboya Labour College.
The seven-member student council assumed office following elections held in March this year.
Speaking during the opening session, Prof. Barasa challenged the student leaders to use their positions responsibly by addressing student concerns through constructive engagement with the University management. He further urged them to align their leadership with the vision and mission of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor also called upon the student leaders to help address emerging social and moral challenges affecting students, including disrespect towards elders, cohabitation among students, and rising cases of teenage pregnancies within institutions of higher learning.
Prof. Barasa further raised concern over the 62 needy students at the University who are yet to benefit from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and University Fund (UF) support programmes. He encouraged the student leaders to sensitize fellow students on the importance of applying for financial aid, while expressing confidence in the effectiveness of the new university funding model.
“The University is currently facing low student enrolment. However, we are optimistic following the approval of 13 new academic programmes by the Commission for University Education. We expect this to significantly boost enrolment, and I encourage you as student leaders to support the University in attracting more students,” said Prof. Barasa.
He also directed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic, Research, Student Affairs (ARSA), Prof. Margaret Orina, to initiate a review of the AUSO constitution to strengthen gender parity, inclusion of students living with disabilities, and address emerging issues affecting student leadership and representation.
The training covered key areas aimed at equipping the student leaders with governance and leadership skills. Topics included resource stewardship and budgeting, conflict management and trauma counselling, understanding university governance and decision-making structures, as well as strategic communication, negotiation, and student representation.
In their reflections, the student leaders expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the University management for organizing the training. They noted that the sessions had deepened their understanding of leadership and governance, and better prepared them to effectively represent students while advancing the vision and mission of the University.
