Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology has come out to address a myriad of allegations against the institution including irregular clearance of students for graduation.
The media reports attributed to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), it said, alleges that the institution’s Senate irregularly cleared 200 students to graduate during a graduation ceremony held on October 18,2024.
While admitting that some students’ names had mistakenly appeared in the graduation list, the institution affirmed that the names were later expunged.
“We wish to clarify that due to stringent internal controls, including a robust whistle-blowing policy, the university noticed that some students’ names were appearing in the preliminary graduation list when they ought not to,” a statement from Prof Emily Akuno, the vice chancellor reads.
According to Akuno, a team was also constituted after the graduation, as a precautionary measure, to conduct a thorough audit of all the graduands before issuance of certificates.
The process, she said, is ongoing.
“EACC has come on board and will expedite and instil additional rigour to the process before the certificates are finally issued to deserving students,” she said.
On land ownership dispute, Akuno asserted that the land occupied by the varsity has valid title deed.
This, she said, is contrary to claims by a resident from Bondo who alleged that the varsity has compensate the owner for the land the institution sits on.
“The University is a custodian of this land. As such, any issues regarding purported ownership or lack of compensation should be directed to relevant government bodies,” she stated.
Akuno at the same time expressed their commitment to to fully cooperating with investigative agencies on the matters facing the institution.
With regard to the probe on capital projects, the VC said the matter is currently in court.
