Higher learning institutions have been challenged to create a conducive learning environment to enable their students to complete their studies within the stipulated time frame.
Recent data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) show that post-graduate degree holders comprise less than 3.5% of the total Kenyan population.
Another study by the Commission for Universities Education (CUE) shows that only 30% of students enrolled in Postgraduate studies in Kenya complete their degrees within the stipulated time frame.
Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki, VC & CEO at KCA University attributed the poor completion rate to financial constraints and program mismatch.
This, he said, is a challenge that calls for adequate mentorship and guidance by scholars to walk the students through their academic pursuits.
Speaking when he hosted more than 250 postgraduate students on a forum to discuss ways to enhance the students’ academic well-being, Prof. Wakindiki noted that student-faculty relations play a crucial role in the timely completion of studies, especially at the post-graduate level.
“Juggling work, studies, and personal life can be overwhelming. Faculty members should be competent and qualified to support students in their thesis and research work,” he said.
“This ensures that all postgraduate students get adequate mentorship and guidance from some of the best scholars in this country.”
To relieve the financial burden in the facilitation of tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs that come with pursuing postgraduate studies, the varsity CEO said institutions should be connecting postgraduate students with funding opportunities such as grants and fellowships.
“The directorate should also train them on grant application skills and competencies,” he added.
Such financial relief, he said, helps learners to avoid dropping out of school due to a lack of school fees.
To retain most students in school, the varsity boss further advised students to choose a study model that would favour their schedules to ensure that they did not go through a lot of stress trying to accomplish several tasks simultaneously.
