Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bunyala Community that will see the varsity open a campus in Budalang’i, Busia County.
The deal, witnessed by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma, Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala, and JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno, will pave way for the roll out of academic programmes at Mundere campus in Bunyala North Ward after completion of renovation works and provision of necessary amenities.
Addressing residents during a joint meeting that preceded the deal, Governor Otuoma said that the inking of the agreement marks an important milestone in the academic journey towards access to college and university education in the county.
He said that investment in education is crucial for the region as it will help realize 100 percent transition to universities.
“My government is already doing something to ensure the retention of learners in schools through the school feeding programme that is benefiting an estimated 46,290 leaners in 460 public Early Childhood, Development and Education (ECDE) centres across the county,” he said.
Dr. Otuoma added that his administration is separately supporting education through the Busia County Support Scheme, which came into operation following the passing of Busia County Support Scheme Act 2017.
“The scheme has various products that support education, namely Bursary, Scholarship, HELB Loan, and Afya Elimu. The Scheme is primarily aimed at supporting bright and vulnerable learners to access education,” he said.
The county boss directed his officers to ensure line departments facilitate the campus with uninterrupted supply of water, install mass lighting, rehabilitate the road network leading to the campus, and work towards the upgrading of Port Victoria Hospital to Level 4 to support future programmes on health.
“Similarly, as an affirmative gesture, we commit to give bursaries for top 100 bright students who are needy. We hope this institution will offer research opportunities to explore key sectors including blue economy, tourism and agriculture among others,” he revealed.
MP Wanjala disclosed that plans are already in advanced stage to construct a 600-bed capacity hostel through the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
“We are more than ready to see this campus take off. The community here is excited and ready to support the institution. As leaders we will also work round the clock to ensure we have good enrolment,” he said.
He added that the community stands a great chance to benefit from the trickle-down effect that will result from the presence of the institution.
Prof. Akuno said that her institution had a strong focus on research, agriculture, blue economy, education, environment, health and technology.
“I want to assure the people of Bunyala that we are ready to start our academic programmes here with the intention to make a difference in the community and the region on matters literacy,” she said.
The event was also attended by County executives Andrew Nakitare (Roads), Beatrice Nakholi (Education) Chief of Staff Vincent Mutanda, MCAs Sylvanus Alianda (Bunyala North Ward), John Omumi (Bunyala Central) and Stephen Nasiagi (Bunyala).
Bunyala Community leaders, Campus Board Members and residents were also present.
By Gilbert Ochieng’
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