Pan African University admits second cohort of students

Nairobi, Kenya: The second cohort of graduate students of the Pan African University (PAU) have been admitted to the JKUAT based Institute of Basic Sciences Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI). The students on full scholarship by the African Union and drawn from over 20 countries in Africa, will undertake masters and doctorate studies in mathematics, biotechnology, engineering and molecular biology.

In her welcoming remarks, Friday, February 6, 2014, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mabel Imbuga challenged the students to prioritize learning and research and move the grand African narrative forward. She noted that there remains urgent need to find lasting solutions to various sector problems on the continent including health, engineering, finance, education and agriculture. The scholarship, she added, was a window for the students to deploy their innovation and energy towards Africa’s good.     

James Kiburi who represented Education PS, Belio Kipsang said, the government of Kenya is proud of the progress PAUSTI has made in equipping students with competencies, skills and attitude necessary for socio-economic transformation of the continent. The government, Kiburi opined, was committed to support the continental university through the East African hub.

PAUSTI Director, Prof. Gabriel Magoma urged the students to take advantage of the large network of academic and professional partners to hone their academic acumen in preparation for challenges and opportunities awaiting them in different parts of Africa.

Miss Nathalie S. Mawo from Cameroon who has been admitted into the MSc. Civil Engineering programme applauded the initiative to implement PAU, saying that it will enhance the capacity of African professionals.  She believes that time has come for African women to rise up to the occasion and that the scholarship will prepare her to be part of the team that shall transform Africa.   

PAU was established by a decision of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in 2010, to foster targeted training in areas with immense potentials for technical, social and economic progress of the continent. It is implemented through a network of excellent universities in Africa where institutes focussing on various thematic areas are domiciled.

Pioneer students at the Institute who were admitted in September 2012, graduated last November in a ceremony that was presided over by Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.