Scores of prospective students on Saturday [9th February 2019] flocked to Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) to attend the University’s Open Day event for 2019.
When interviewed during this event, the Vice Chancellor explained that this was the University’s initiative to distribute information to prospective students in order to help them make relevant career choices.
Attendance
The attendance of these prospective students was such that they filled the biggest lecture theatre of the Manzini campus to the brim and overflowed to the surrounding space outside the theatre. It was so surprising that the number of students outside almost equaled that of the students inside. Loud speakers had to be utilized to disseminate information to every attendant. An estimate of about two thousands (2000) students attended the event.
During the interview the VC stated that in spite of this large number of students, admission was highly competitive. She said the intention of the University was to ensure that all prospective students are given an equal chance to be exposed to the University’s programmes, and are acquainted with the application process of SANU.
Demand for SANU Education
When asked about how SANU education is impacting the region, the VC stated that the University is witnessing an ever growing demand for SANU education. She said this resulted from that SANU offers cutting edge programmes which were not offered by most universities when they were launched. Given this position the programmes tend to be unique to this institution. The VC also stated that SANU focuses on developing future leaders of high integrity for Africa. She added that it was for that reason the University’s slogan is “transforming Leaders for Africa”.
Ongoing applications
The VC encouraged prospective students who were not able to attend the Open Day to visit the Admissions office of the University to receive the necessary assistance.
Involvement of the Scholarship Unit
The VC appreciated the presence of a representative of the Swazi Government Scholarship Unit which was also unique about the 2019 Open Day. She said the University and the prospective students appreciated the information received from this unit as evidenced in the questions students asked for further clarification pertaining the scholarship.
Impact of the Event
Most of the students who were interviewed during the event stated that they were too excited to experience SANU in this manner. Phumlani Nkhambule who lives in Matsapha stated that it was his first time to set his foot on SANU premises. He stated that he was pleased about the information he received since it would help him in his decision for his career path and the application process. He encouraged other institutions of Higher Learning to adopt SANU’s approach in disseminating this important information. Tengetile Dlamini and Nomile Ntombela who were also interviewed shared the same sentiments.