The JKUAT School of Pharmacy (SOPHARM) held its first year orientation for its 10^th cohort of students (the September 2025 intake) on 10^th September, 2025. The batch of 100 students had reported on Monday 1^st September, 2025.

During the orientation, the College counsellor, Mr. Mwangi, sensitized the students on the social issues which are key to their academic journey. Reminding them that their primary goal is academics, he also touched on matters spiritual life, introducing them to the chaplaincy for different denominations such as for Muslims, Protestants and Catholics amongst others, and underscoring the emergence of cults which could sidetrack one from attaining their objectives. He urged the students to reach out for help from the student’s welfare whenever they are in need, even financial, through bursaries and work study programmes under the dean of students office.

Mr. Mwangi also tackled social issues, addressing alcohol and drug abuse matters. The students were notified of drug peddlers in the university community, out to lure them into their business, impacting their academic results and even resulting in disciplinary issues. Gambling was also pointed out as a vice that has seen many which students lose money meant for fees and personal use, and even derailed studies for others.

Dr. Thuo, the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Chemistry department represented the heads of departments. Welcoming the students, on behalf of the heads of departments and the staff, he underscored the importance of concentration, proper planning, attending classes and doing assignments. He also encouraged the students to join the already existing associations and participate in extracurricular activities to help maintain balance with the core business of academics.

Concluding his remarks, he advised the students to raise any issues they may encounter along their journey with any of the staff from the three departments or even the staff in Dean’s office.

The Dean School of Pharmacy, Dr. Alex Kigundu also welcomed the new students to the school. Focusing on academics, the dean urged the students to adhere to the semester units, putting in to consideration the preclinical units in the first two years of study, and the clinicals in third to fifth years of study.

“Take in to consideration that for you to proceed to the next year of study, you have to get at least a pass in all the units in end of year ordinary exam”, he said. The dean also informed the students of the criteria for the different categories of examinations: Special exams are given because one missed exams because they were either sick (with evidence) or on compassionate leave after having lost you lost a close/nuclear family member, and Supplementary examinations is given in case one fails any of the ordinary exams.

The dean, Dr. Kigundu, told the students that they have all the support they may need from all the three departments and from him to enable them achieve their main objective at the end of their studies.