Choosing a university? Here are the key factors to weigh
Sponsored by USIU-Africa
By Victor Boiyo
Imagine standing at a crossroads, faced with two significant decisions: The choice of your career path and which university to attend. Each decision is like a battle strategy. What you choose now will shape the trajectory of your future. Like a skilled military commander who knows that superior soldiers, armaments, and equipment provide the upper hand, your success in life hinges on arming yourself with the best tools for thinking, learning, and problem-solving.
Your career path is the battlefield, and the university you attend is your training ground. The right institution equips you with knowledge, critical thinking, and a wide array of tools that will allow you to navigate this battlefield with agility and strength. With the right training and resources, your decisions on career and education will not just be steps in a journey, but well-calculated moves of a commander leading an army to victory. This is why the choice of one’s career is not merely a decision but a cornerstone upon which the edifice of life is built. It is the thread woven through the fabric of existence, shaping destinies in ways both subtle and profound.
As the dust of good performance in high school settles, it is time for reflection. Parents need to carefully consider the path ahead, helping their children to navigate the crucial choices they must make regarding higher education. Countless factors must be weighed when considering the path to higher education. From the vantage point of having served in university leadership for over a decade, I wish to reflect upon what I consider to be the most significant considerations in making such an important decision. All these factors are wrapped in two broad categories: The course of study and the institution.
Which course?
Higher education is nothing less than the enterprise of teaching, learning, and research. The most basic, fundamental and critical consideration one needs to make is which course to study. It sets the foundation for career paths and advancement options in the long run. While great choices deliver fulfilment and opportunities, wrong selections can lead to disinterest, lack of focus, dropping out, or inability to find suitable roles after graduation.
In Kenya, it has become the norm for a student’s high school grade to automatically determine the course one pursues. This practice is rooted in systems that focus solely on grades rather than considering the broader aspects of a student's abilities, interests, and aspirations.
The interest and the inclinations of the students are key. Allow the students to reflect on what sparks their natural curiosity. Pay attention to talents, personality, strengths, and preferences. Choices that align with academic strengths, career goals, and personal growth are key to educational and professional success.
Globally, there are over 25,000 universities offering millions of courses across various fields of study. In Kenya, there are about 70 universities, both public and private, that provide a wide range of programmes. The number of courses available in Kenya is also growing, with thousands of options available across diverse disciplines. This highlights the vast educational opportunities, both on a global scale and within Kenya, allowing individuals to pursue various academic and professional paths. This can only mean that there are as many universities and as many courses as there could be individual interests.
Parents should prioritise enrolling their children in an accredited institution offering accredited courses. Accreditation is a mark of quality assurance, ensuring that the university meets established standards of education and that the degree awarded is recognised by employers, government agencies, and other educational institutions. This guarantees quality education and helps avoid potential issues with degree recognition, which can impact career opportunities and professional licensing in certain fields.
Which institution?
The challenges facing the next generation globally require that we educate students to harness all of their resources, not just their intellect or emotions. Of the available options, which one is better?
Think of an institution that has the unique capacity to shape students into well-rounded individuals, preparing them to tackle complex global challenges with both their minds and their hearts. Beyond the choice of course of study, one needs to consider a university that provides an experience designed to develop a fully developed human being – a good worker and a good citizen. In this regard, one ought to not only consider academic offerings but also several non-academic factors that significantly shape the overall experience and long-term success of learners.
Consider the resources and facilities available to support both academic and non-academic aspects of student life. High-quality libraries, research labs, technology infrastructure, and learning spaces are essential for a strong educational experience.
A university with state-of-the-art facilities, such as modern computer labs and well-equipped science labs, enhances hands-on learning and research. Access to these resources is crucial for success in various fields, from science and engineering to the arts and humanities.
Equally important are qualified faculty and staff who can support students' academic growth. Additionally, opportunities for talent development through extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, volunteering, and student organisations, foster personal growth and transferable skills. Universities that offer robust co-curricular programmes and encourage participation in events can enhance learning outcomes. If athletics are a priority, consider universities with strong sports teams or fitness clubs.
The physical location of a university is crucial when choosing an institution. Universities in large cities offer internship opportunities, industry access, and a vibrant cultural scene, all beneficial for career growth. Alternatively, universities in smaller towns or rural areas provide a quieter setting focused on academic and personal growth. Universities with strong security measures create a safer environment.
Additionally, consider the cost of living. Major cities often have higher living expenses, impacting budgets, while universities in areas with lower costs may ease financial strain.
The campus culture and social life are other factors one needs to consider when choosing an institution of higher learning. The environment of a university greatly influences learner's social interactions, sense of belonging, and personal development. The culture of the university permeates through all its operations, including the pedagogical approaches.
While choosing the right institution keep in mind that university support services are crucial for student success. Strong systems like career counselling, mental health resources, academic tutoring, and student organisations enhance academic and personal growth. In addition, diverse campuses expose students to various cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic perspectives, enriching their learning experience and personal development. A robust support system in a diverse environment posits a more engaging and fulfilling educational space for learners.
Like the first stroke of a painter’s brush on a blank canvas, career choices define the contours of a future yet to unfold. This decision demands our fullest gaze, undistracted, undeterred, for in its essence lies the power to shape the course of all that follows.
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Dr Victor Boiyo is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Life, at the United States International University-Africa.