By investing in student well-being, we invest in the future

Professor Washington Okeyo, vice-chancellor of the Management University of Africa (MUA) in Kenya, believes that student services in higher learning institutions have a direct impact on students’ academic success, while also helping to develop individuals who are better equipped to contribute to society and the workforce.

University World News spoke to him about how catering for students’ diverse needs can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

UWN: What do student support services cover at your university?

WO: We provide an extensive range of student support services aimed at enhancing learning and overall student well-being at MUA. These services include academic advising and tutoring, which offer personalised guidance to help students achieve their academic goals.

Career counselling is another crucial service, preparing students for their future careers through workshops, internships and job placement services.

The university library and ICT services are central to supporting research and learning, providing access to a vast collection of academic materials and essential technological resources.

Our health services ensure that students have access to medical care, and the campus clinic is equipped to address various health needs.

MUA also offers a variety of sports and leisure facilities, including both indoor and outdoor activities. Students can participate in football, volleyball, rugby, table tennis, chess, darts, badminton, scrabble and draughts.

These activities are complemented by inter-cohort, inter-campus, and inter-university competitions, as well as events with the surrounding community. Extracurricular activities play a significant role in promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle among students.

Social and religious clubs such as the Rotaract Club, Christian Club, First Aid Club, Environmental Club, Modelling Club, and religious organisations like the Catholic Action, Christian Union, and Muslim Association provide students with opportunities to engage in community and religious activities.

Additionally, we offer affordable university hostels at the Main Campus in Kisaju (in Kajiado County) and assist in arranging reliable off-campus accommodation.

UWN: Which are the most popular student support services at your institution and why?

WO: Among the various student support services offered at MUA, some are particularly well-utilised. The library services are highly valued, providing students with access to a vast collection of academic materials, online databases, and quiet study areas.

ICT facilities, including computer labs and free Wi-Fi, are essential for students to complete their assignments, conduct research and stay connected.

Career counselling is another service in high demand, playing a crucial role in preparing students for the job market through resumé-building, interview preparation, connecting students with potential employers, and regular public talks.

Extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, are popular as they provide a balanced university experience, promote physical health, and help students build social networks and leadership skills. These services are highly utilised because they directly contribute to students’ academic success and overall well-being.

UWN: What are the biggest hurdles in the delivery of student support services?

WO: While MUA provides a comprehensive range of student support services, we face challenges in ensuring all students fully utilise these services.

Many students do not participate in sports and other extracurricular activities, despite their availability. Additionally, some services, such as sports stadiums, require large capital outlays for construction, posing a financial challenge.

Despite the availability of career counselling services, many students have not been attending public talks, and there is a general reluctance to seek out a career counsellor for one-on-one guidance.

Technological challenges, including maintaining up-to-date ICT infrastructure and ensuring reliable internet connectivity, can also hinder effective service delivery.

UWN: How has your institution addressed these challenges?

WO: MUA has implemented several mitigation strategies. We have invested in expanding and upgrading our facilities, including the construction of additional study spaces and the enhancement of our ICT infrastructure to ensure reliable internet access.

To encourage greater student participation in extracurricular activities, we have established more clubs and societies to accommodate diverse interests.

For career counselling services, we have initiated awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of career guidance and have introduced an appointment system to make it easier for students to access these services.

Additionally, we are exploring ways to make career talks more engaging and relevant to student interests.

For high-demand services like library resources, we have increased staffing and introduced an appointment system to reduce waiting times.

We continuously seek external funding and partnerships to enhance our resource capacity and improve service delivery.

UWN: How effective are the psychological support services at your university?

WO: MUA provides robust psychological support services through our counselling department. This department offers individual and group counselling sessions, workshops, and mental health awareness programmes, all designed to support students’ mental well-being.

Our trained counsellors are available to assist students with stress, anxiety, and other personal challenges. The counselling department works closely with academic and administrative staff to create a supportive environment. Feedback from students indicates that these services are highly beneficial, contributing significantly to their overall well-being and academic success.

UWN: What is the status of technologically enhanced student support services at your institution?

WO: MUA has embraced technology to enhance student support services. Our online learning management system (LMS) allows students to access course materials, submit assignments and participate in discussions online, providing flexibility and convenience.

Virtual advising enables students to schedule and attend meetings with academic advisers remotely, making it easier for those with busy schedules or who live off-campus. Our e-library resources provide access to online databases, journals and e-books, allowing students to conduct research from anywhere. These services are supported by a robust ICT infrastructure and ongoing technical support to ensure smooth operation.

UWN: Are there new demands on student services?

WO: Emerging concerns at MUA include the need for enhanced digital literacy among students and addressing mental health challenges exacerbated by the increased use of technology.

To address digital literacy, we have introduced workshops and training sessions to help students use digital tools and resources effectively. For mental health, we have expanded our psychological support services and increased awareness programmes to encourage students to seek help.

Moreover, the need for more diverse extracurricular activities has been addressed by establishing new clubs and societies.

To improve the utilisation of career counselling services, we are working on increasing awareness and making these services more accessible and appealing to students.

We also regularly collect feedback from students to identify and address new concerns promptly.

UWN: Do you think African universities are making progress when it comes to the provision of student services? Are there any gaps?

WO: African universities have made significant strides in providing student support services, yet some areas need improvement. Many universities, including MUA, have robust community-engagement programmes that extend beyond campus boundaries. These programmes often include outreach initiatives that provide educational support, healthcare services, and vocational training to underserved communities.

Cultural integration and diversity are also celebrated through events such as cultural festivals, international student associations, and language exchange programmes, fostering a sense of belonging among students from diverse backgrounds.

However, challenges remain. Many African universities struggle to provide adequate support services to all students, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure and resources may be lacking.

Financial constraints often hinder the provision of comprehensive student services, limiting the hiring of qualified staff, the development of support programmes and the maintenance of campus facilities.

To address these gaps, increased funding and resources are essential. Governments and stakeholders should prioritise investment in higher education to improve infrastructure, faculty development and student support services.

Universities can also leverage partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organisations and private companies to enhance their offerings.

Technology can be a powerful tool in this regard, allowing universities to expand access to support services through online platforms, mobile applications and virtual support services.

Promoting student engagement in the design and implementation of support services can also ensure their relevance and effectiveness.