- It paves the way for roll out of academic programmes at Mundere campus in Bunyala North ward.
- This is after completion of renovation works and provision of necessary amenities.
Image: EMOJONG OSERE
Effort to establish a university in Bunyala, Busia county has received a boost after Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and the Bunyala community signed an MoU.
The agreement was witnessed by Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala and JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof Emily Akuno among other leaders.
It paves the way for roll out of academic programmes at Mundere campus in Bunyala North ward after completion of renovation works and provision of necessary amenities.
Addressing residents during a joint meeting that preceded the deal, Otuoma said the agreement marks an important milestone in the academic journey towards access to college and university education in the county.
He said investment in education is crucial for the county as it will help realise nearly 100 per cent of learners’ transition to universities.
“My government is already doing something at the entry-level to ensure the retention of learners in schools through the feeding programme. The initiative is benefiting an estimated 46,290 leaners in 460 public Early Childhood Development and Education centres,” he said.
He added that his administration is separately supporting education through the Busia County Support Scheme, which came into operation following the passing of Busia County Support Scheme Act 2017.
“The scheme has various products that support education in the county, namely bursary, scholarship, Helb loan and Afya Elimu. The scheme is primarily aimed at supporting bright and vulnerable learners to access education and create a cohesive society.”
Otuoma directed his officers to ensure line departments facilitate the campus with uninterrupted supply of water and install mass lighting.
He also directed they rehabilitate the road network leading to the campus and work towards the upgrading of Port Victoria Hospital to Level 4 to support future programmes on health.
“Similarly, as an affirmative gesture, we commit to give bursaries for top 100 bright students who are needy. We hope this institution will offer research opportunities to explore key sectors including blue economy, tourism and agriculture among others,” he said.
Wanjala said already, plans are at an advanced stage to construct a 600-bed capacity hostel through the National Government’s Affordable Housing programme.
“We are more than ready to see this campus take off. The community here is excited and ready to support the institution. As leaders, we will also work round the clock to ensure we have good enrolment,” he said.
Prof Akuno said her institution has a strong focus on research, agriculture, blue economy, education, environment, health and technology.
“I want to assure the people of Bunyala that we are ready to start our academic programmes here with the intention to make a difference in the community and the region on matters literacy.”
The campus boasts of an administration block and two hostels, all financed by the Budalang’i National Government Constituency Development Fund.