By Erick Nyayiera
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong’ has urged students at the institution to take advantage of the digital space to work and get money.
The VC said the existing digital space has opened up unlimited opportunities for students to earn money off- class hours.
Speaking to first year students at the main campus in Bondo town, Prof. Agong’ urged the students to work online to gain valuable experiences and earn money instead of engaging in unproductive activities which can derail their academic lives.
“The government through the Ministry of ICT runs the Ajira digital program which has provided online jobs for Kenyan youths and enabled them to earn between Shs. 20,000 to Shs. 700 000 per month” Prof Agong’ said.
He disclosed that JOOUST has availed the necessary infrastructure in terms of steady Wi-Fi, training and hardware that will help students tap into the digital space.
He also revealed that the institution had made arrangements with mobile network providers to enable students who do not reside within the campus to buy bundles at affordable rates to surf the net.
The first year orientation talk which was themed “Road map towards navigating a disruptive educational space” was designed to psychologically prepare the first years of possible disruptions in their academic calendars like the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In 2020 our academic year was disrupted significantly by the outbreak of global pandemic and we had to overcome the challenges through virtual learning. Next year we are faced with political campaigns and elections which can be fairly disruptive so we have to build resilience in anticipation of any disruption” Agong’ said
Prof. Agong’ said that the institution will continue using blended learning despite the resumption of physical classes.
“We will continue using our virtual classes wherever necessary because of the numerous advantages. Practical classes will involve face to face classes” he said.
