Siaya: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) has announced that all graduates from its October 18, 2024 ceremony will be subject to thorough vetting and auditing before receiving their certificates.

This decision follows the detection of irregularities in the preliminary graduation list, which has prompted the University Senate to take stringent measures.

The announcement, made via the university’s official X account, emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the graduation process.

“We wish to clarify that due to stringent internal controls, including a robust whistleblowing policy, the University noticed that some students’ names were appearing in the preliminary graduation list when they ought not to,” stated Prof. Emily Akuno, the Vice Chancellor.

“As a precautionary measure, the University immediately after graduation constituted a team to conduct a thorough audit of all graduands before issuing any certificates,” the statement continued.

This rigorous process has garnered support from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which is now involved in the audit.

The Senate believes that the EACC’s participation will expedite the vetting process, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The involvement of the EACC comes shortly after the commission issued a two-week ultimatum to JOOUST, demanding original documents related to the 11th and 12th graduation ceremonies.

In a letter to the Vice Chancellor dated November 25, the EACC requested official student transcripts, records of student coursework, examination results, lists of students required to take supplementary exams and their results, and the graduation lists for the two ceremonies, among other relevant documents.

The measures reflect JOOUST’s commitment to upholding high academic standards and ensuring that all graduates have genuinely met the necessary requirements for their qualifications.