Students of Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) – Main campus are not utilizing the counselling services available at the institution.
This was revealed by the University Counsellor Summayah Nakimuli during the induction ceremony of new Islamic University Students Union (IUSU) Government officials in Mbale.
According to the the counsellor, she can spend weeks without any student visiting her office for counselling.
“I don’t have students to help because no one is coming to my office. Students are not utilizing my services. For example , this week I didn’t receive anyone looking for my services,” she says.
She further asked the new students’ representatives to sensitize the students on counselling.
“You have a role to play to see the students utilizing my services. You have to be at the forefront telling the students that counseling in IUIU is safe, reliable and confidential. The stigma must stop,” she says.
One IUSU Government official says, the counsellor should be taking the counselling services to the students when they are having association meetings on Friday.
“Mostly, the students gather on Friday in various associations. It can be good if you can be come during the time and advise us on the need of utilizing the counselling. It may happen that some are shy or afraid to visit your office,” she says.
The Department of the University Coordinator at IUIU organised the induction ceremony to equip the new leaders with the leadership skills.
