Students have been urged to pursue courses that align with the ever-evolving job market to position themselves in line with the demands of the modern workforce.
They have also been encouraged to be tech-savvy and entrepreneurial so as to have a competitive edge in the global job market.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof Njenga Munene noted with concern that many students and universities remained tied to outdated programme structures, leaving graduates ill-prepared for the realities of today’s market.
Speaking during the 8th graduation ceremony at Mang’u campus in Juja, Kiambu county, Prof. Munene revealed that as a result, the University has launched 30 new skills-based programs, including nursing, computer science, and other emerging fields.
Prof. Munene highlighted that the global economic and social shifts have compelled higher education institutions to adapt by introducing new, skill-focused programs. This initiative aims to equip students with practical knowledge relevant to current job demands, resulting in an increase in student enrollment and program switches.
The VC at the same time told the 2,566 graduands, who were conferred with Diplomas, Degrees and Masters during the ceremony, to apply soft skills in their areas of specialization and create a network of relevant industry players in order to succeed.
“Soft skills go beyond technical skills and we must endeavor to be techno-preneurial individuals because there’s a wide application of technology in almost all areas,” he said.
He also challenged them to be entrepreneurial noting that in the near future close to 70 percent held by people will be occupied by the technological advancements.
“As a University we have established an entrepreneurial ecosystem incubation hub that helps us incubate students’ business ideas and innovations and later graduate them to industrial parks,” he said.
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John Mwai, the Director for Corporate Affairs and Marketing, echoed the sentiments, noting the university’s commitment to climate change and sustainability. New offerings include green skills, solar economy, and climate conservation programs, integrating ICT to address modern challenges.
“We have made significant strides in overcoming economic challenges by focusing on sustainable development and cutting-edge research. This year’s graduation theme centered on climate action and green skills, reflecting the institution’s dedication to producing graduates who are not only job-ready but also environmentally conscious,” Mwai said.
By Kamau Njoroge
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