The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) made a history for awarding 118 PhDs during its 31st graduation ceremony.
The institution emerges as the first ever to award highest number ever of graduands at PhD level in one sitting.
The Institution has received a lot of negative feedback from Kenyans. PhD has always been ranked as the most prestigious achievements among scholars but maybe seemingly it is no more.
One of the Top Brains lawyers who has represented President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2007 disputed Presidential elections, Ahmednasir Abdullahi has also bashed JKUAT for conferring the highest number of PhDs.
Ahmednasir has accused JKUAT of selling degrees thus giving it a new name “JUAKALI LIBERAL ARTS UNIVERSITY.”
“Despite the noble idea that informed the formation of JKUAT as an institution with bias for technology/innovation, it is now a JUAKALI liberal arts university that is institutionally rudderless. Just like ALL public universities in Kenya you can any degree with a few shillings,” stated Ahmednasir.
Despite the noble idea that informed the formation of JKUAT as an institution with bias for technology/innovation, it is now a JUAKALI liberal arts university that is institutionally rudderless. Just like ALL public universities in Kenya you can any degree with a few shillings
— Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC (@ahmednasirlaw) June 22, 2019
Another flamboyant lawyer Donald Kipkorir who is a close ally to AU Representative Hon Raila Odinga has since dared JKUAT to publish all the titles of all theses and names of the supervisors to validate the PhDs.
“JKUAT as its name says is University of Agriculture & Technology. But to graduate 118 PhDs when we don’t know from it of any innovation in both fields is a monumental scandal & should be closed. JKUAT should publish the titles of alll the PhDs theses & names of the Supervisors,” said Lawyer Kipkorir.
JKUAT as its name says is University of Agriculture & Technology. But to graduate 118 PhDs when we don’t know from it of any innovation in both fields is a monumental scandal & should be closed. JKUAT should publish the titles of alll the PhDs theses & names of the Supervisors.
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) June 22, 2019
Prof Ole Kiyiapi has also argued that the numbers are so high compared to where he schooled in the University of Toronto which is host students from all over the world.
“At my PhD graduation, University of Toronto, over hundred years old, well-funded institution could only present a total of 60 PhD candidates for graduation! JKUAT has a lot of explaining to do. Unless they brought together all candidates who have been at it for over 10 years!,stated Kiyiapi.
At my PhD graduation, University of Toronto, over hundred years old, well funded institution could only present a total of 60 PhD candidates for graduation! JKUAT has a lot of explaining to do. Unless they brought together all candidates who have been at it for over 10 years!
— Prof J. Ole Kiyiapi (@JamesOleKiyiapi) June 22, 2019
To retain the sanity of Higher Levels of Learning maybe JKUAT will come out clean and debunk the notion that the PhDs were easily bought.
The institution needs to come clean to maintain the prestigious image associated with PhD,