From MUST to Canada: A Journey of Academic Excellence and Global Impact

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has always been a hub of innovation, collaboration and opportunity. This reputation was further solidified in August 2024, when the University officially launched the International Field Course in Development and Food Security. The launch was a milestone event and also a celebration of a growing global partnership with Dalhousie University (DAL), Canada.
The event, held on MUST’s scenic campus in the heart of Meru County, Kenya, welcomed guests from Dalhousie University. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, extended a heartfelt welcome to the visiting team and highlighted the remarkable trajectory of collaboration between the two institutions. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2023, began its journey much earlier with the pioneering efforts of Prof. Gregory Camerun and Joshua Thambura. Their joint launch of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programme in September 2022 laid the foundation for a partnership focused on international development and food security. The success of this programme, which concluded in December 2022, opened the door to new avenues of cooperation.
During the August event, special recognition was given to Prof. Lord Abbey from Dalhousie University. A key figure in strengthening the partnership, Prof. Abbey has been instrumental in creating opportunities for MUST students. He was also the keynote speaker at the MUST International Conference (MUSTIC 2024) held in June, where he announced the acceptance of two MUST master’s students into his lab in Canada. These students, Tabitha Mutemi and Ian Duncan Orenge, have now embarked on a transformative journey that highlights the tangible impact of this international collaboration.
Tabitha and Duncan, both tutors at MUST’s Marimba Campus, teach diploma and certificate programmes in Agriculture, Horticulture and Agri-preneurship. Their selection for the prestigious Global Affairs Canada Scholarship marked the beginning of an inspiring chapter in their academic and professional lives. Currently enrolled in the MSc Horticulture programme at MUST, the two had already completed their coursework before receiving this life-changing opportunity. The scholarship, which spans five to six months, has enabled them to conduct their research at Dalhousie University’s Department of Agriculture. Here, they have access to world-class academic resources and financial facilitation to aid their scholarly endeavors.
Their departure to Canada is a personal milestone and also a moment of pride for the entire MUST community. The Vice-Chancellor’s parting words to Tabitha and Duncan were filled with encouragement and a reminder of their mission: to conduct groundbreaking research and contribute to global knowledge through publications. This journey reflects the power of determination, the importance of mentorship and the impact of cross-border academic partnerships.
But the story does not end here. MUST and Dalhousie University have jointly submitted a proposal for a Canadian scholarship that, if approved, will allow diploma students in Agriculture at MUST to pursue a Bachelor of Technology degree at Dalhousie. The prospects are promising, and the University anticipates sending four students to Canada through this programme in 2025. This initiative exemplifies the shared vision of both institutions to create transformative opportunities for students and foster global academic excellence.
Tabitha and Duncan’s journey to Canada is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions prioritize collaboration and invest in their people. Their story is a beacon of hope and an inspiration for other students and faculty members at MUST. It reminds us all that with hard work, support and a willingness to seize opportunities, the possibilities are limitless. As they settle into their new roles in Canada, the entire MUST community wishes them the very best during their stay there. This is just the beginning of a much larger initiative of global impact and shared success. Meru University of Science and Technology remains committed to creating pathways for its students and faculty to thrive on the global stage, proving that excellence knows no borders.
Dr. Meshack Ambani Mulongo January 10, 2025 11:31 am
Great development there. God Bless MUST.