Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) has channeled over Sh6 million to support its ICT infrastructure in readiness for virtual learning.
Speaking in a virtual orientation where over 2000 first-year students were welcomed, the University Vice-Chancellor Prof Stephen Agong’ stated that with the support of the senate and the university council, they have invested heavily in ICT infrastructure to ensure smooth learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prof Agong revealed that the university has bought zoom licenses at Sh1 million which has the capacity of hosting 9,000 learners at any given time.
He further disclosed that the university has also acquired ICT exam software at a cost of Sh5 million that has already proved very effective in the recently concluded exams at the institution.
The VC explained that while the university has invested heavily in ICT, it has also saved about Sh3 million since the institution has gone paperless.
“Virtual learning may be expensive to set up but in the end, it will prove to be the cheapest, efficient and most effective mode of delivering learning in all institutions,” stated Prof Agong.
He added that as an institution that has a bias on technology, they appreciate the fact that Covid-19 is a threat to many but also view it as an opportunity to use virtual space to interact and improve the lives of students as well as other stakeholders.
He, however, told first-year students to leverage the virtual space created by the university to learn and undertake researches.
“This technology is versatile, robust and accommodative to all. It can support up to 9,000 students at ago and the onus is on every one of you to leverage on it to change the lives and become better citizens,” said Agong.
The VC on the other hand asked the local community not to hike the prices of private hostels once institutions open.
“We have a Covid-19 response team in the university which will work closely with students who do not stay in the university hostels to mitigate the spread of coronavirus,” said Prof Agong.
