- The only group of students who have received their certificates are the Law students, leading to speculation and frustration among the other graduates.
- Questions have been raised about the prioritisation of certain disciplines over others.
In the world of academia, the pinnacle of achievement for any student is the issuance of their certificate or degree. This symbolises the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
However, for the graduates of Kisii University, this moment of celebration and validation has been inexplicably delayed, causing a ripple effect of disappointment, frustration and regret.
For over four months now, the class of 2023 from various disciplines of the university have been left in limbo, waiting for the elusive piece of paper that will open doors to their future.
Despite meeting all the academic requirements, including examinations, projects and internships, their certificates remain out of their reach, holding them back from pursuing further studies, applying for jobs, or even claiming rightfully earned positions.
The delay in issuing certificates has not only affected the graduates' personal aspirations but has also had a significant impact on their professional lives. Many had secured promising job opportunities, with some even receiving assurances from their employers that they would be provided with academic credentials shortly after employment.
However, the failure of the university to deliver on this promise has left these graduates in a precarious position, facing the risk of losing their jobs due to the lack of proper documentation.
The situation is particularly dire for graduates in fields such as education, engineering, business and the sciences, where academic credentials are not just a formality but a requirement for professional accreditation and licensure.
Without their certificates, these graduates are unable to practice their professions legally, severely limiting their career prospects and potential earnings.
The delay in issuing certificates is said to be a result of the recent transition in the university's management. Following the appointment of a new administration, there have been significant changes in the institution's policies and procedures, including those related to academic records and certificate issuance.
While these changes may be aimed at improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the university's operations, they have unfortunately led to unintended consequences for the graduates.
The only group of students who have received their certificates are the law students, leading to speculation and frustration among the other graduates. Questions have been raised about the prioritisation of certain disciplines over others, further adding to the sense of injustice and inequality among the affected students.
The delay in issuing certificates has not only affected the graduates' immediate prospects, but has also cast a shadow over the reputation of the university. Potential employers, academic institutions and professional agencies are beginning to question the reliability and credibility of the university's academic programmes, raising concerns about the value of a degree from this institution.
In conclusion, the delay in issuing certificates to graduates of this university has had far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the individuals involved but also the reputation and standing of the institution itself.
It is imperative that the university's administration takes urgent and decisive action to rectify this situation, ensuring that the affected graduates receive their certificates promptly and that such delays do not occur in the future. Failure to do so risks not only the future prospects of these graduates but also the integrity and reputation of the university as a whole.
We've waited for too long and long seems to be forever.
The writer is a former student at the university