As we bid farewell to the year 2023 and welcome the promising dawn of 2024, I find myself compelled to reflect on the journey we have undertaken together as a vibrant academic community. The past year has been a testament to our collective resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence. The Year was faced by unprecedented economic challenges triggered by climate change, geopolitics and bilateral conflicts around the world. It was expected to be the year of economic recovery as countries around the world battled inflation to manageable levels. It was a year of hope and great expectations as the world woke up to the realities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other generative technologies. Debates are still going on around the impact of AI on businesses, education sector and the future of job opportunities.
In 2023, The Management University of Africa continued to carry out her mandate leveraging technology to deliver her programmes. This enabled the University to be inspected for Online and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) and consequently accredited for a period of one year to be renewed in March, 2024. The university also held its 10th graduation ceremony and graduated over five-hundred and fifty graduates. The University takes seriously research and disseminated its findings through the a book on ‘Educational Leadership’ as well as an online edition of the International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies (IJMLS) Volume 4 Issue III http://library.mua.ac.ke/xmlui/. Regarding partnerships, the University signed and renewed several MoUs around the world for instance with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) – Ghana, Osaka Jogakuin University – Japan, ABE institute, Chartered institute of Logistics and Transport- international (CILT) – UK and so on. Two innovation weeks were held at the main campus in the months of June and September. The University successfully organized for students and staff exchange programmes to Japan in November 2023 where a total of 15 participants – 8 staff and 7 students participated. In 2024, the University plans for similar visits to India, and a few African countries where the University has partnerships. The University joined institutional membership to Education Collaborative initiative which promote their agenda through four pillars of: Employability and Career Development, Entrepreneurship, Research and Faculty Development; and Ethics and Leadership. As a result, the University has interacted with other Universities across Africa during the Ghana Convening in June and East Africa Regional Hub which was held in Uganda in October. There are projects the university initiated to promote hands on skills and practical learning to their students including farming, entrepreneurship hub, art fests and others
All in all, the University organs conducted their mandates in accordance with the University mandates. The key organs include Board of Trustees, Governing Council, The Senate, University Management Board, Deans and School board. In addition, the University provides its services through various departments which provided their services in the manner summarized as follows.
Teaching and Learning:
The School of Management and Leadership (SML) continue to offer academic programmes for Certificate, Diploma, undergraduate, Masters and Doctorate level. All the programmes are market driven to offer the 21st century skills, knowledge and attitude and promote experiential learning; and are recognized by the Commission for the University Education. SML leverage Technology in curriculum delivery where it uses state-of-art, cutting-edge technology by using digital infrastructure and MOOCS for content development. Teaching is done using face to face for the students who are able to attend day, evening or weekend classes. ODEL mode of delivery is also used for inclusivity and to bridge the distance challenges. Additionally, students can take blended mode of study. Both face to face and online examination systems are used where AI has been relied on to complement physical invigilation for exam integrity. All are welcome to enroll for any programme for quality education and to complete within the stipulated time frame.
Research:
The University continued to carry out research to solve societal challenges as well as contribute to the universe of knowledge in management and leadership. The research findings were disseminated through academic defenses and publication in the International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies. The University launched the second book in ‘Educational Leadership’ as well as conducting a number of Symposium for postgraduate students.
Student Affairs:
To achieve the University’s objective of producing all rounded graduates, student outreach activities such as industrial attachments, community service, public talks, club activities, as well as sporting activities were held successfully both indoor and outdoor through inter-cohorts, inter-campus, inter-universities and friendly games with the surrounding communities. Also, the University organized culturally oriented activities through freshers’ night and campus vibe. The students and staff held two joint sporting activities during the semesterly sports days which enhanced their relationship and interactions in the University.
ICT and Security Services:
The University leveraged ICT services to supplement face to face teaching and learning during the year and automation of the administrative processes for quality and prompt services to the clients. The department provided outsourced cost-effective security services as a cost saving measure.
Marketing:
The Marketing Department recruited the highest number of students ever recruited in the history of the University through use of social media, partnerships, linkages, collaborations and strategies which created university visibility such as attending interviews in media houses like KBC, Standard Media Group and Royal Media Services.
Quality Assurance (QA):
Quality assurance is the hallmark of responsive university education. In order to promote quality education and process QA discharge its mandate during the year through conducting various surveys such as teaching effectiveness evaluation, tracer surveys and departmental audits which were analyzed and recommendations provided to various department to improve their processes. Additionally, they championed ODEL and Award of Charter documentations and inspections by Commission for University Education
Executive Capacity Development Programmes (ECDP):
ECDP department leveraged technology to promote knowledge and skills transfer through various short trainings and consultancies which were conducted as open or in house courses and delivery through in-person or virtual mode of delivery.
Human Resource Development and Administration: The department facilitated the recruitment of the well renowned professors to support the teaching and research in the university.
Financial Management:
The University continued to employ prudent financial management measures to manage her financial resources during the year. The university performed fairly well as it was able to meet her obligations as they fell due. This was not a mean achievement in the face of global economic challenges. In addition, the department continued to leverage ICTS for efficiency and effectiveness in financial services delivery.
Exit Year 2023 and Enter Year 2024
As I stand at the threshold of a new year, I am reminded of the words of wisdom shared by esteemed personalities that continue to guide and inspire us. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” The challenges of 2023 have called upon us to embody this spirit of positive transformation into 2024.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, our university demonstrated extraordinary courage and dedication. We navigated the complexities of remote learning, embraced innovative teaching methodologies, and stood united in the face of uncertainty. Our students exhibited remarkable perseverance, and our faculty and staff displayed remarkable ingenuity to ensure that our commitment to education remained unwavering.
As we celebrate the achievements and milestones of 2023, let us also acknowledge the lessons learned from the challenges we faced. These experiences will not only strengthen our resolve but also position us to face 2024 with renewed vigor and determination. Reflecting on the year gone by, the renowned physicist Albert Einstein’s words resonate … “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Our university community embraced difficulties as opportunities for growth, innovation, and resilience.
Looking ahead, the New Year holds the promise of new beginnings and opportunities for growth. Together, let us approach the coming year with optimism, openness, and a shared commitment to the values that continue to define our university. Let us continue to foster an environment of inclusivity, diversity, and academic excellence.
As we enter into the new year, let us draw inspiration from the words of Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” Our journey is one of continuous improvement and learning, and our tireless pursuit of knowledge is a testament to the transformative power of education. Our university is a bastion of education, and our collective pursuit of knowledge has the potential to bring about positive change in the world. Let us continue to strive for excellence in education and contribute to the betterment of society.
In the spirit of collaboration and unity, let me share the words of Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The strength of our university lies in the collaboration of students, faculty, and staff. Together, we can overcome challenges and achieve greatness. And as Winston Churchill once observed … “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” May the coming year be filled with the courage to face new challenges, the wisdom to learn from experiences, and the joy of shared success.
To the staff of the University, thank you for your dedication, resilience, and commitment to our shared vision. Wishing you and your loved ones a New Year filled with growth, prosperity, and the joy of new discoveries where the exchange of ideas flourishes, and innovation knows no bounds.
I encourage each member of our university community to set personal and professional goals for the new year. Let us aspire to reach new heights, both individually and collectively, and to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society.
May the New Year be filled with success, fulfillment, and the joy of discovery. The Eureka moments! Let us support and uplift one another as we continue this incredible journey of learning and growth. Together, we can overcome any challenges that may come our way and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more united than ever before.
To the entire university fraternity, thank you for your unwavering commitment and dedication. I wish you and your loved ones a joyful and prosperous New Year 2024.
Prof. WASHINGTON OKEYO, PhD, MBA, FKIM, BSc.
VICE-CHANCELLOR
