A Kenyan graduate went viral on Sunday, June 10, after he manifested his frustrations for failing to secure a job by burning his academic certificates.
Kenyans gave out their mixed reactions on the incident with some calling out for the university to recall his undergraduate certificate.
Kenyans.co.ke spoke to a Dean of Students at one of the public universities in Kenya to determine whether it was possible for a university to recall degree certificates in such instances.
While sharing his empathy with the graduate, the university don noted that his degree certificate was unlikely to be recalled.
“The degree certificate was issued based on academic qualifications set by the university senate which includes among the following; attending required classes, paying school fees and passing set examinations.
“The senate cannot then now recall an academic certificate based on someone’s post-graduation behaviour,” he explained.
While many Kenyans were quick to bash the graduate, the Dean noted that it was prudent that people not rush to condemn.
“Burning academic certificates is a sign of a troubled person. Joblessness could be a trigger of deeper problems. What the young man needs is counselling and possible therapy,” he spoke about the matter.
The Dean of Students, however, broke down instances where a degree certificate could be recalled as explained below;
Impersonation
The Dean explained that if a student is found out that he had used another person’s academic certificates or forged qualifications to gain entry, his degree could be recalled.
“We have students who go to universities abroad using fake or stolen academic certificates. When that is noted, the student will have his certificate automatically recalled,” he explained.
Honorary certificates
An honorary degree is given by a university to someone who is not a student but who has done something important.
The Dean noted that because the degree is given at the discretion of the university senate, it can be recalled anytime.
“The senate can recall an honorary degree at will if a person stops exemplifying what made him be conferred the honour.
“For example, if the honorary degree was issued due to someone’s peace efforts and he stops the initiatives, then the awarding university can recall that,” he explained.
