Senior Assistant Academic Registrar, Mr. John William Otim has urged New students at Nkumba University Kampala Campus to take class attendance seriously if they are to excel in their studies and graduate on time.
Addressing the fresh August 2025 cohort at the Kampala-based based Nkumba University, Mr. Otim did not mince words. “Develop the discipline of attending class and being punctual,” he said. “You will never hear a bell or be reminded to go for lectures; it will be entirely up to you. Do your due diligence if you want to graduate on time.”
Mr. Otim reminded the newcomers that learning was their main reason for joining the university. “Don’t just attend lectures, be attentive and available,” he said. Students must attend at least 75 % of classes to qualify for exams. Missing tests or assignments, he added, could cost them dearly. “Coursework counts for 30% of your final grade. If you miss assignments or tests, it will certainly affect your final mark.”
He warned against a reckless lifestyle that could distract them from the core reason they joined Nkumba University. “This is Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The lifestyle here may appeal to you, and in trying to live it, you may be tempted to imitate those you admire. The lifestyles you see on social media are costly, both financially and psychologically. Don’t let them pull you away from your academic calling, the very reason you are here.”
On examinations, he urged them to respect university rules. “You may have sat national exams before, but here we have our own policies. If you break them, you will answer for it,” he warned. And while 50 percent is the pass mark, Mr. Otim challenged them to aim higher. “In the job market, no one wants to employ someone who just scraped through with a pass degree.”
The cost of failure was another reality check. “If you fail a paper, you will have to redo the class and pay again. Imagine having more than two retakes, you could be paying an extra amount,” he said. He advised students who plan to transfer credits from diplomas or other universities to do so early to avoid delays.
On tuition, Mr. Otim reminded them that new students can register with 60 percent of tuition paid, but urged them to clear balances early. “We don’t receive cash. Generate a payment reference number and pay through the bank or mobile platforms.”
Beyond academics, he encouraged students to respect staff, make good friends, and use both the physical and virtual libraries. “By the time you leave here, you should be recognised in your community as someone who can change things,” he said, urging them to put their knowledge to use immediately, even in small ways.
He ended with a call to protect Nkumba’s reputation. “If you find a problem internally, report it through the right channels. Don’t spoil the name of the institution outside,” he said. “I wish you the very best in your studies.”
Students later took and academic oath pledging to abide by the university’s rules and uphold its reputation. “I will attend all my lectures, write all my coursework, do a research project, and sit all exams to achieve my academic goals. I shall keep and abide by all university rules and regulations, always do my best to protect the intellectual property rights and bring honor and goodwill to the university, so help me God.” Students declared in unison.
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