KAKAMEGA, Kenya. A war of words is brewing in the academic world after Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) students demanded a public apology from a lecturer at Tom Mboya University over remarks allegedly disparaging the Kakamega-based institution.
The controversy erupted after the lecturer was reportedly quoted claiming that MMUST was comparable to a secondary school and allegedly questioning its recognition beyond Kenya’s borders, while portraying Tom Mboya University as a more stable and professionally recognised institution.
“If you go to the United States and say you studied at Masinde Muliro University, they will wonder if you attended a secondary school,” the lecturer allegedly said.
The remarks have triggered outrage among MMUST students, with the university’s student leadership accusing the lecturer of disrespecting an institution they say has built a strong academic and professional legacy over the years.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, President Western Kenya Students Association Hiram Nickson, demanded that the lecturer publicly withdraw the alleged remarks and apologise to the university, its students, alumni and wider community.
Nickson said MMUST has produced thousands of graduates who are making significant contributions in different sectors and should not be subjected to ridicule.
“Our university has produced many professionals who are thriving in society. Comparing MMUST to a secondary school is disrespectful and completely unacceptable,” Nickson said.
He argued that the lecturer had crossed the line and should demonstrate leadership and professionalism by issuing a public apology.Nickson further warned against what he described as a growing culture of institutions and individuals publicly disparaging established universities.
“It is time for the relevant authorities to regulate what other institutions say about MMUST. We are an established university that has grown and produced many professionals, including professors, and we deserve respect,” he said.
The student leader also pointed to MMUST’s academic history and growth, arguing that the university has built a stronger legacy than attempts to portray it negatively would suggest.
Nickson said MMUST has held more than six graduation ceremonies, compared to Tom Mboya University’s four, while also highlighting the institution’s contribution to higher education in Western Kenya.He described MMUST as a pioneering university in the region, saying it has equipped generations of students from Western Kenya and other parts of the country with professional knowledge and skills.
“Our institution has a legacy. Smaller upcoming universities have learned from us. We have played a part in the founding and development of institutions such as Kibabii and Kaimosi, so we deserve respect,” Nickson said.
The sentiments were echoed by Faith Ingasiani, the representative of non-resident students, who claimed that this was not the first time MMUST had faced disrespect from individuals associated with other institutions of higher learning.
Ingasiani called on the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities to promote professionalism and responsible conduct among lecturers and institutions when commenting publicly about other universities.
However, she went further by calling for Tom Mboya University to address concerns surrounding the lecturer’s conduct.
Photo|Faith Ingasiani, MMUST Student
“As students, we demand respect. When a lecturer publicly speaks negatively about another established institution, serious questions must be asked about professionalism and suitability for such a position,”She said.
The MMUST students now want a clear public apology, insisting that the university’s reputation and contribution to education in Kenya cannot be dismissed through what they describe as careless and disrespectful remarks.
The controversy is now threatening to escalate into a major academic showdown between students and institutions, with MMUST leaders insisting that their university’s legacy will not be erased by words.