MUST School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing Hosts Third White Coat Ceremony, Celebrating the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has proudly held the third edition of its White Coat Ceremony a defining rite of passage for students in the School of Health Sciences (SHS) and the School of Nursing (SON).

The 2025 ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, and attended by distinguished guests including Dr. Fredrick Kimemia, Dr. Frank Mwiti, Dr. Kenneth Kimathi, Mr. Tonny Munene, Dr. Jacinta Rwamba, and representatives from Marie Stopes, among others. Their presence underscored MUST’s dedication to training ethical, skilled, and compassionate healthcare professionals.

This year’s ceremony stood out for its collaborative spirit, being fully organized by student associations under SHS and SON. The organizing teams included:

• Meru University Health Club (MUHEC)
• Meru University Medical Laboratory Students Association (MUMeLSA)
• Meru University Nursing Students Association (MUNSA)
• Meru University Health Systems Management Club (MUHSMaC)
• Clinicians Club of Meru University (CCMU)

Through teamwork and creativity, these associations delivered a memorable, well-coordinated event.

The ceremony also welcomed delegations from neighboring universities, including nursing students from Chuka University and nursing, clinical medicine, and medical laboratory students from Kenya Methodist University (KeMU). This inter-institutional participation enriched the programme, fostering collaboration and a spirit of unity among future healthcare providers.

In his keynote address, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo reminded students that the white coat is far more than just a garment — it is a symbol of trust, respect, and accountability. He urged them to embrace their training not only as preparation for employment, but as a calling to serve humanity with empathy, diligence, and integrity. Other speakers reinforced the importance of teamwork, discipline, and patient-centered care.

The success of the ceremony was further anchored by the support of faculty members, particularly the leadership of Dr. Patrick Kubai, Dean of SHS, and Dr. Mary Joy Kaimuri, Dean of SON. Together with other faculty members, they mentorship, guidance, and logistical support, affirming the university’s commitment to nurturing both competence and compassion from the very beginning of students’ professional journeys.

A Signature Event on MUST’s Calendar

The White Coat Ceremony at MUST aims to welcome students into the health professions, instill values of integrity, professionalism, and empathy, and help them develop an early professional identity. By donning the white coat, students pledge to uphold ethical standards and embrace the responsibilities of patient care.

Now in its third year, the ceremony has become a signature event in the university’s academic calendar one that not only celebrates students’ entry into the health sector but also strengthens collaboration across departments, faculty, and peer institutions. It is a powerful step toward shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders in Kenya and beyond.