FHS Dean Prof. Daniel Ojuka addressing the FHS First-year students during the Welcome address and orientation meeting.
The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) officially welcomed its newest cohort of students, marking the beginning of a rigorous journey for those pursuing courses in the health sector at the University of Nairobi Faculty of Health Sciences.
The welcome address by the FHS Dean to incoming First Year students and orientation session, provided a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the important beginning of their academic journey in medical school, emphasizing that academic success must be paired with character and professional discipline.
In his address, FHS Dean Prof. Daniel Ojuka challenged the students to look at the bigger picture even though it was just the beginning and keep the end in mind, reminding them that they are being trained to serve real people.
“You're training to serve real people with real needs. Let your motivation be bigger than yourself. Let it be rooted in service. Joining is the first step, from today onwards, work with seriousness. Be consistent, ethical, disciplined and compassionate,” he stated.
He reiterated the faculty’s mission to provide quality medical education and training to nurture and produce excellent health professionals.
“As dean, I commit, on behalf of the faculty, to doing our part: teaching with dedication, providing guidance, and creating a learning environment that prepares you for excellence. And in return, we expect you to do your part: attend, study, participate, ask, practice, and grow academically and professionally,” he said in his address.
His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Bernard Mua the Department of Dental Sciences Chairperson who stated, “You’ll be taught you’ll be mentored and you’ll be trained.”
The orientation featured a diverse array of faculty members and student leaders who offered practical advice. Departmental chairs offered advice to help guide the new students adjust into life in university and on the transition from high school to professional training, especially highlighting the expectations required of them in the rigorous medical school environment.
Prof. Eunice Cheserem, the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology emphasized the necessity of academic discipline and consistent class attendance, noting that the first-year curriculum forms the backbone of their future studies and careers.
A recurring theme throughout the addresses was the importance of networking and collaboration. The faculty Registrar Dr. Zipporah Magaki highlighted that professional networking begins in the lecture hall. Similarly, the Dean reiterated these remarks stating, “In healthcare, collaboration saves lives and that starts here.”
Beyond academics, the faculty encouraged a holistic approach to student life where they urged students to engage in co- curricular activities such as leadership, sports and joining relevant students’ associations to build character.
In his remarks, the faculty UNSA Chairperson, Eddy Spensa, welcomed the freshmen and reiterated the councils mandate of student advocacy and pledged to advocate for the students' interests.
Prof. Rose Jepchumba Kosgei the FHS Undergraduate Studies Associate Dean, offered the first year’s essential pillars for academic and personal success, which included: mastering time management, taking proactive ownership of their learning and maintaining a healthy school-life balance. Furthermore, she emphasized the necessity of academic integrity, seeking help when facing academic, financial, or mental struggles, and the value of holistic growth by engaging in extracurricular activities.
The speakers also urged the first years to make use of the university support services such as mental health support services and mentorship programs.
As the session concluded, the message was clear, while the faculty provides the tools for scholarly transformation, the students must build their own legacies through hard work, curiosity, and integrity.
The faculty welcomes the incoming students to the FHS family.
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