CUEA Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary.
The Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) recently marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 40th anniversary. This esteemed institution has been at the forefront of research, teaching, innovation, and community service for the past four decades. From its humble beginnings in Tanzania during a Bishop’s conference in the 1960s, CUEA has grown exponentially and established itself as a leading educational institution.
In 1994, the university was known as the Catholic Higher Institution of East Africa (CHIEA). However, it received an interim charter in 1990 and later obtained a full charter in 1992. This recognition solidified CUEA’s position as a reputable institution dedicated to providing quality education and making a positive impact on society.
During the 40th-anniversary celebrations held at the main campus in Karen, Nairobi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor George Kimathi highlighted the remarkable achievements of the university. He emphasized the significant increase in student enrollment, which has grown from less than 100 students at its inception to over 9,300 students today. Additionally, during summer semesters, the university welcomes an impressive 8,300 students.
Prof. Kimathi proudly stated, “The CUEA community now stands at over 10,000 members when you include lecturers, staff, and other supporting individuals.” This thriving community is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for both students and faculty.
Vice-Chancellor Stephen Mbugua acknowledged the challenges the university has faced throughout its history. When he assumed his role in 2017, CUEA was in a precarious position, having received a letter from the Commission of Higher Education (CUE) threatening closure within a year. Despite the daunting circumstances, Prof. Mbugua accepted the challenge and resolved to turn the university’s fortunes around.
“When I came in, there was a debt of Sh1.9 billion, increasing by Sh700,000 per day. The staff had not been paid for over six months, and some had to walk long distances to reach the university,” Prof. Mbugua revealed. He likened the university’s 40-year journey to the biblical years the children of Israel spent in the wilderness, emphasizing the perseverance and determination required to overcome adversity.
Undeterred by the daunting financial situation, Prof. Mbugua made significant sacrifices to ensure the university’s survival. He pledged to clear the Sh2.6 billion debt by September 12, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the institution’s future. “That debt was much more than the value of all the buildings at CUEA, which is why the bank wanted to auction it,” he explained.
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Prof. Mbugua recounted a pivotal moment when he approached a bank CEO to request leniency after the university had obtained a court order to auction its assets. Despite initial skepticism, the CEO granted them a few months to settle their debts. Through sheer determination and hard work, CUEA managed to raise the necessary funds and paid off the loan, effectively closing the bank account.
Deputy VC Kimathi attributed the university’s growth to its dedication to providing quality education and a nurturing environment for students. He highlighted the relaunch of the CUEA journal, which is now available online. “We have recently acquired the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), which will transform our journals into refereed publications,” he proudly announced. This development will not only expand the university’s reach and impact in research but also position CUEA as a pioneer in academic publishing and innovation.
Kimathi also revealed plans to extend the publishing capabilities beyond the main campus to the Gaba Campus press in Eldoret. This expansion reflects CUEA’s commitment to academic excellence and its determination to offer a wide range of courses across various faculties and schools. From its origins as a theology-focused institution, CUEA now boasts nine faculties, enabling students to pursue diverse academic disciplines.
The university’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. CUEA was recently recognized as one of the top 10 universities in Kenya by EduRank, securing the 10th position. This achievement further validates the quality of education and impactful learning experiences provided by CUEA.
Furthermore, CUEA’s constituent college, Tangaza, was granted a full charter by President William Ruto in May, officially becoming Tangaza University. Other constituent colleges, such as Hekima College and Marist International University College in Nairobi, are also on their way to becoming independent universities. These developments highlight CUEA’s commitment to expanding its educational offerings and providing students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education.
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Over the years, CUEA has witnessed a significant increase in the number of graduating students. From less than 20 graduates in 1986, the university now celebrates over 3,100 graduates annually, representing a remarkable growth of almost 3000%. The university’s alumni network has also expanded, with over 48,000 former students making their mark in various fields.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, CUEA has planned two international conferences. The first conference, scheduled for October, will focus on multidisciplinary topics, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts from different fields. The second conference, set for November, will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on education, shedding light on the future of learning.
In his closing remarks, Vice-Chancellor Mbugua encouraged students, staff, and guests to continue working together to elevate the university to new heights. As a symbol of growth and sustainability, the celebration concluded with a tree-planting ceremony on the university grounds.
In conclusion, CUEA’s 40th anniversary is a testament to its unwavering commitment to research, teaching, innovation, and community service. Despite facing numerous challenges, the university has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. With its expanding academic offerings, dedication to academic publishing, and recognition as a top institution, CUEA is poised to shape the future of education in Kenya and beyond.
CUEA Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary.
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