University of Nairobi Responds to Controversy Over Excluded Students Amid Graduation Protests

By Orenge Wycliff

University of Nairobi Responds to Controversy Over Excluded Students Amid Graduation Protests

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has issued a statement in response to protests by students who were reportedly excluded from the graduation list ahead of the December 13 ceremony. The protests, which took place outside the Dean’s Office on December 12, saw students expressing their frustration over being removed from the list just days before the event. The situation raised concerns about fairness, communication, and administrative processes at the university.

In its official statement, UoN addressed the allegations, clarifying that the exclusion of students was not a last-minute decision, as some reports had suggested. The university emphasized that no student who had met the necessary qualifications, had completed all academic requirements, and received Senate approval was barred from participating in the graduation.

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The institution stated that degrees are only awarded when all program requirements are fulfilled and confirmed by the Senate. UoN also rejected claims that qualified students had been mistakenly excluded, asserting that there were no known cases of cleared students being wrongfully omitted from the graduation list.

According to the university, students who were eligible for graduation were notified as early as October 2024. These notifications included a circular that outlined the requirements for graduation, as well as regular reminders to students about settling outstanding fees and clearing administrative holds. Students were strongly encouraged to ensure all balances were cleared in order to participate in the ceremony.

While the university has stood by its process, some students argue that the exclusion was handled poorly, with unclear communication and no fair opportunity to address any issues before the final list was released. It is believed that discrepancies in course credits, missing grades, or unresolved administrative issues may have contributed to the exclusion of over 200 students.

This incident at UoN comes at a time when scrutiny of higher education institutions is intensifying, particularly regarding allegations of misconduct. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been investigating universities such as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), where allegations of bribery surfaced after more than 200 unqualified students were reportedly awarded degrees.

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The University of Nairobi’s clarification seeks to address the concerns raised by students and the wider public. However, the controversy has highlighted ongoing concerns about transparency, communication, and administrative processes within Kenya’s higher education institutions.

As the December 13 graduation ceremony approaches, UoN continues to urge students to ensure that all academic and financial requirements are met, reaffirming its commitment to a fair and transparent graduation process.