Moi University School of medicine dean Prof Lukoye Atwoli has issued a resignation notice to his employers citing he is no longer interested in occupying the position.
In his notice, Prof Atwoli cited frustrations by colleagues and university management, lack of promotions, student suffering and freeze on staff hiring as the main reason of opting for early retirement.
In a letter leaked to the public through social media, Prof Atwoli revealed that the past 18 months at the dean position have been trying for him due too recurrent strikes that affected both the school and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
“I no longer enjoy the confidence and support of my faculty members and several times they have refused to attend meetings called to discuss their grievances due to my apparent association with ‘Management.’ I am not in any position koto take any action under such circumstances, given the limits of my position as Dean here at Moi University. As a result I have been saddled with complete demoralised students whose fate remains unclear, and an apathetic staff staff complement whose plans remain unknown to me,” wrote Prof Atwoli.
“It is for these reasons that today (Thursday, August 8) I write to give notice of my early retirement from the office of Dean with immediate effect in accordance with statue VIII(9) of the university… My conscience cannot allow me to continue observing helplessly as students suffer without reasonable expectation of a resolution, caught between intransigent staff and less action that is necessary from management,” he added.
Prof Atwoli has been an Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Mental Health. He is also a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and at the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH).
He also headed the Mental Health Services at the Centre for Assault Recovery- Eldoret (CAR-E) a specialized Centre for sexual and gender-based violence. He additionally serves as Vice President to the Kenya Medical Association.
Prof Atwoli has been the dean of Moi University School of medicine since 2014. In June 2019, he was appointed by the World Medical Association (WMA) Medical Ethics Committee for the year 2019-2020 as an official advisor.
The World Medical Association is an international organization that represents physicians and was founded in 1947. The organization aims to promote the highest possible standards of medical ethics through declarations, resolutions, and statements.
In my opinion the University Vice Chancellor and the Senate are not concerned about the suffering of our sons and daughters who are currently acting like permanent students. Can’t they be released and be given credit transfer to other Universities. Pro. Magoha should at least come to our rescue. My son has been in the University for the last 6 year.
Concerned Parent