Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) 4th Annual International Dinner and a Cultural Learning Event – 2019
Friday 27th September 2019 was yet another fascinating day for both MUST International students and staff as another awaited international dinner and learning event took place.
Indeed it was a real home away from home and a reality learning show for whoever attended. Lots of cultural exhibition and exchanges coupled with great educational messages from management made the day really great! Wow, this was real fun but a true learning event at our great Campus Kihumuro.
The night was graced by the University management, the international staff, international students and students’ leadership. MUST has regular international students from 16 African countries and also hosts occasional international students and visiting scholars across the globe. The countries where the current regular students originate are; Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Benin, Gamba, Swaziland, Somalia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gambia, Ethiopia, Malawi.
Currently, the country with the highest number of students is Kenya with 30 students. The Faculty of Medicine attracts the biggest number. Seventy six percent (76%) of all the international students are postgraduates. International occasional students mostly come from Europe and North America.
It is important to note that the increase in MUST collaborations and partnerships over the recent past has increased the number of both regular and occasional international students. Internationalisation of MUST’s programmes and stakeholders engagement are core areas emphasized.The 2019 theme was ‘Appreciating cultural diversity’. Clad in their well presented traditional attires and with excitement, the students presented their different fascinating cultures in the form of dances and powerpoint presentations. These ranged from highlighting their physical features, dress code, language and outstanding aspects of different countries. The Vice Chancellor Prof. Celestino Obua welcomed the new international students and wished them an excellent stay at MUST. He appreciated the fact that their choice of higher learning is MUST and affirmed the University commitment and ability to serve them with quality and relevant education- a flagship of the Institution.
He advised them to freely associate with the nationals to ensure a harmonious living. He further appreciated the work well done and the commitment by visiting Professors and scholars.The occasion was also attended by other top managers and administrators including Prof. Nixon Kamukama- the Deputy Vice Chancellor- Academic Affairs who advised students to focus on studying since this is what brought them and to be good ambassadors of MUST in their home countries, Mrs. Martha Kyoshaba Twinamasiko- the Academic Registrar, Mr. George Byabagambi- the University Counselor, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments and international visiting Professors and scholars.
The function that ended in the night was a clear testimony of the conducive environment that the University has created to its students far from their homes.
This appreciation of unity in diversity continues to be a ground to increase more international collaborations and partnership for increased regional and global visibility!Succeed we MUST!