Moi University has responded to statement making rounds regarding the resumption of learning and teaching activities at the institution.
The university management closed the institution on October 3 this year following staff industrial action and subsequent student unrest.
For weeks, different statements circulated online regarding potential reopening dates and even the possibility of transferring students due to the institution’s financial instability.
However, the Moi University administration went on to announce reopening dates after the university management held a consultative meeting with the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU).
The university’s Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Isaac S. Kosgey, further announced a program of activities that would take place before the institution is fully opened.
Following the announcement by the VC, a statement purported to be from the university, dated November 6, started circulating.
Moi University statement on resumption of learning
The latest statement claimed to provide the way forward on resumption.
It read, “Reference is made to the Program of Activities Towards Re-Opening of the University issued on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
This is to inform ALL students that the University will be communicating on the re-opening date for the 2024/2025 Academic Calendar in due course via its Official Channels once modalities towards resumption of activities have been agreed upon with the relevant stakeholders.
It added, “The University Council and Management are working to ensure that University normal operations resume as soon as possible.”
Also Read: 2 Moi University Students Found Dead
However, the university has since flagged this statement as fake, consequently striking confusion to the university’s planned reopening on Thursday, November 7.
This also comes after reports on November 6 emerged that a meeting between top management from the learning institution and union officials which was set to resolve the prolonged University strike ended in a stalemate.
Prof. Kosgey in his list of programs anticipated that negotiations would conclude on Wednesday, according to the circular issued earlier week, with KUSU and UASU expected to sign a return-to-work agreement.
The program further outlined that the university would reopen on November 7 with students returning on Friday, November 8.
All academic activities were suspended following an extended strike and subsequent student unrest which led to students being instructed to leave the university premises.
University Woes
The strike by workers is attributed to delayed salaries and issues related to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Also Read: Moi University Announces Reopening Date
Additionally, the university is facing severe financial challenges, including debts amounting to Ksh8 billion.
Investigations are underway into several financial irregularities, such as unpaid payroll deductions, a defaulted loan, and outstanding bills.
Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala had earlier said that officials drawn from the State Department would visit the institution on November 8.
She encouraged the students to remain patient and resilient as the institution works towards reopening the university
“Moi University Reopens! This is the schedule of activities leading to the reopening of Moi University. The State Department for Higher Education and Research will be at Moi University on Friday, November 8, 2024, to welcome the students back to the University. Comrades Resilience,” Inyangala said.
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