I did my first degree when I was relatively old. It was in 2002, yet I had cleared High School way back in 1974. After being in the media for so long, and running my own magazine, I knew what I wanted. So, I studied commerce to get a business mind for my business.
A good dose of culture shock awaited me at the university. I was surprised to realise that students did assignments for others at a fee. Such students advertised their services on notice boards.
It was funny that even the administration were not bothered by such. Students, without a tinge of guilt, would tell me that in their generation, ‘education was a harambee’. Meaning collective effort.
We would have group work, which some of the students did not even make half-hearted attempts to attend. They would appear at the last minute and demand that their names be included on the group list.
READ MORE
Victor Wanyama: The Lion of Muthurwa who roared in Europe
Harambee Starlets upbeat ahead of Fifa series
Starlets and Junior Malkia Strikers in race for Soya glory
How State failed PhD students in Germany after funding collapse
To me, academic work was never a ‘harambee’. I consider myself a first class student in every aspect of life. So, I wouldn’t allow such a lazy philosophy.
Being a person who had already established himself in the media, I got friends who only wanted to get something from me. Some knew the connections I had, and wanted me to link them up for jobs. Some thought I had money.
Those who missed fees, expected me to chip in. For those who treated me well, I mentored them, and I can proudly say they are better placed in society.
And having gone to school that late, the younger students wondered why this ‘mzee’ never studied during his generation. The looks…
All in all, I gained ethics. The kind of ethic that makes you do right because you know it is right, rather than because you fear punishment and authority. It has propelled me to where I am right now. In fact, I would choose knowledge over riches anytime.
Dr Hanningtone Gaya graduated from Catholic University of Eastern Africa in 2004 with a First Class honours degree in commerce. Recently in 2012 he graduated from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University with a PhD in business management.
Photo: Courtesy
