By: Mwanamvua Abdalla

The Technical University of Mombasa welcomed its newest students today for the Vice Chancellor’s Orientation held at the Main Campus Assembly Hall in Tudor, with students at the Kwale and Lamu campuses joining via livestream.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Laila Abubakar,  congratulated the incoming class and reminded them that university life brings both greater freedom and greater responsibility. Tracing TUM’s roots back to 1948, when it began as the Mombasa Institute of Muslim Education, she noted that the university has since grown into an institution of more than 19,000 students across six schools and four institutes.

She urged students to think beyond grades, encouraging them to start solving real-world problems early, make use of the university’s laboratories and innovation spaces, and see themselves as future job creators, not just job seekers.

She also touched on student welfare, reaffirming TUM’s drug-free policy and urging students to exercise caution around the ocean, given the university’s coastal setting. Students facing academic, financial, or personal challenges, she said, should not isolate themselves, as counselling services and peer support are available. She closed with the local proverb, “Bahari haikosi mawimbi” (the sea is never without waves), reminding students that challenges are part of the journey and are best met with courage and discipline.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Gichangi delved into the importance of time management, class attendance, effective use of the library, and familiarising themselves with the Student Handbook early in their university journey. He warned students against academic dishonesty and encouraged them to pursue research, mentorship, and industry opportunities alongside their coursework.

Also wearing the cap of DVC, Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. Gichangi highlighted that the docket primarily provides support services, including learning spaces and other facilities that enable students to pursue their studies effectively. He reminded students to take care of TUM’s property and facilities as their own, noting that they have a responsibility to safeguard what has been provided for their benefit. He also emphasised the importance of adhering to the University’s Finance Policy to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.

The message from university leadership was consistent throughout: success at TUM will take more than academic talent. It will require consistency, integrity, discipline, and a genuine willingness to learn and grow.