The African Talent University (TATU) has finally received government’s nod to admit students.
The Kisumu-based institution becomes Kenya’s 85th university, and the only fully talent-based institution of higher learning in the country.
Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Migos Ogamba on Monday, April 20th awarded a Letter of Interim Authority (LIA) to the institution, following a nod by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
The university which offers non-traditional education, focuses on producing skilled professionals who are not traditionally academically endowed.
Dr Ogamba described the institution’s path as a clear step towards building a university education system that works for every Kenyan.
“This reflects on our commitment to expanding opportunities, nurturing talents in all its forms and keeping university education aligned with the realities of our time,” said Ogamba.
Demand for university education
He termed the award of the letter of grant as a response to the growing demand for university education in the country, with reports indicating that only about 28 per cent of secondary school graduates transition to the university out of the over 900, 000 who sit the national examinations every year.
He said there was need to rethink how universities can better serve the country, adding that; “the universities of the future such as this one (TATU) will not just be a place of lectures and examinations, but will be a hub of creativity, digital transformation, research and enterprise.”
Institution founder Professor Humphrey Oborah described the university as a revolution in the education sector, saying the institution will address some of the gaps in the Competency Based Education (CBE).
“We want to make sure that children are not judged by mere grades, that people with innate and pure potentials are also equally accepted and can be able to be seen to be capable”- Prof oborah
Professor Oborah has been a proponent of inclusive education, describing the traditional education as measuring intelligence narrowly through standardized examinations while ignoring vast forms of human capabilities such as; creativity, practical intelligence, artistic expression, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial ability.
Speaking when he received the letter of Oborah noted that TATU
“We want to make sure that children are not judged by mere grades, that people with innate and pure potentials are also equally accepted and can be able to be seen to be capable,” said Oborah.
The event was attended by Higher Education principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, representatives from the Commission for University Education, and Kisumu County Government.
In Kenya, after receiving a Letter of Interim Authority (LIA), a new university must establish its governing body, develop physical infrastructure, and assemble academic resources while operating under supervision of the Commission of University Education.
The institution then has a maximum of eight years (four years renewable once) to meet standards for a full Charter, focusing on developing programs that meet quality assurance requirements.
