Mount Kenya University (MKU) is set to graduate 15 doctoral students today. These graduands, who all say they endured challenging times, are elated with their academic achievement.
Here, some of them summarise their experiences.
Bashir Mohamud Maalim narrates how the Covid-19 pandemic gave him a scare. He managed to progress though, thanks to the power of technology. He says: “PhD at MKU is a learner-centred programme with rigorous quality assurance processes and enabling resources. My study period coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic era, a moment I thought my dream would be shattered! But MKU was quick to embrace technology for programme continuity without compromise to quality.”
Yusuf Abdu Misau, a Nigerian, describes his PhD journey at the university as “an incredible and unforgettable experience” that he will forever cherish.
“I initially underestimated the rigorous processes and requirements that awaited us, but I soon realised the depth of commitment and thoroughness demanded by the university,” he says, and adds: “To those currently going through the challenging process of pursuing their academic aspirations, I want to offer a word of encouragement: Never give up! The journey may be demanding, and there may be moments of doubt and difficulty, but perseverance and determination will ultimately lead to success.”
Githiomi Rachel Nyaguthii says her academic journey “has been a testament to the transformative power of education, commitment, unwavering university support, and personal growth.”
She says she has been busy “cultivating the mighty tree of academic excellence”, and encourages fellow scholars on a similar journey with the following unattributed quote: “Even the grandest of achievements begins with a spark of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.”
On her part, Grace Wanjiku Ngaruiya advises those who are still struggling to complete their PhD programme to keep pressing on and to work hard.
And Nuna Rose Mumbua says pursuing a PhD demanded a lot of sacrifice and determination “to an extent that I had to learn to be alone and isolate myself at times, to give it the concentration it deserved.”
She continues: “Whenever I felt like giving up, words by Henry Ford that ‘Whenever you think you can or you think you cannot, you are right’, encouraged me. I kept on believing that I could.”
