• Version
• Download 0
• File Size 128.14 KB
• File Count 1
• Create Date October 10, 2025
• Last Updated October 10, 2025

Prof. Simon Gicharu, Board of Directors MKU

SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MOUNT KIGALI UNIVERSITY

Speaker: Prof. Simon Gicharu
Occasion: Installation of the Chancellor, Prof. Egara Kabaji
Date: 10th October 2025
Venue: Kigali Paramount Hotel – Main Hall

1. Protocol Acknowledgements

Your Excellency the Chancellor, Prof. Egara Kabaji,
Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Gaitho,
Chairman, University Governing Body, Dr. Innocent Mugisha,
Vice Chancellor, Dr. Martin Kimemia,PhD.
Members of the University Council,
Esteemed Faculty and Staff,
Distinguished Guests,
Our dynamic student body,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

It is my great honour to stand before you on this historic day — the official installation of the Chancellor of Mount Kigali University. This moment signals a strategic elevation in our university’s journey, a moment when vision meets leadership, and legacy is entrusted to purpose.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

Today, we wield that power by installing a Chancellor who exemplifies scholarship, mentorship, and vision.

2. Significance of the Day

This is no ordinary event. It is a milestone in the maturation of Mount Kigali University — a confirmation that we are not merely growing, we are transforming.

Prof. Egara Kabaji is a renowned scholar, celebrated author, and respected academic leader. His appointment as Chancellor speaks to our confidence in character, capacity, and contribution. His influence has extended beyond borders, into classrooms, journals, literary circles, and academic forums across the continent.

“We face neither East nor West. We face forward.” Kwame Nkrumah

Today, Mount Kigali University faces forward  with courage, clarity, and conviction.

3. The Role of the Chancellor

The Chancellor is not merely a ceremonial figure. He is the embodiment of our values — the guardian of our vision, the torchbearer of academic integrity, and the moral conscience of the institution.

Prof. Kabaji’s theme, “Promoting Scholarly Writing for University Posterity,” is both timely and necessary. As universities across Africa seek to decolonize curricula and assert intellectual sovereignty, his passion for writing, publishing, and mentorship gives our university a compass and a mission.

“The writer is the spokesperson of the people.” Chinua Achebe

We believe in a university that does not just teach, but thinks. One that does not just consume knowledge — but creates it.

4. Institutional Growth and Achievements

Let me now highlight the incredible transformation Mount Kigali University has undergone — a reflection of strategic investment, stakeholder trust, and visionary governance.

In the last few years, the Board of Directors — in consultation with academic and operational leadership — has executed significant capital and academic projects that have reshaped the university’s future.

Key Infrastructure Milestones:

8-Floor Tuition Block — significantly expanding lecture spaces, laboratories, and teaching infrastructure for a growing student population.

New Administration Block — improving service delivery through centralized, modern operations.

Modern Student Hostels — inspired by Kenya’s Qwetu Hostels, offering safe, clean, and student-friendly accommodation.

Kigali Paramount Hotel — a hospitality application facility, blending learning with industry practice for our tourism and hotel management students.

University Medical Centre — providing essential healthcare to our community and serving as a practical hub for health sciences.

Royal FM — a student-led media platform promoting journalism, public discourse, and creative expression.

University Gardens and Green Spaces — promoting wellness, environmental stewardship, and reflective learning.

Water Reservoir & Wastewater Treatment Facility — enhancing sustainability and resilience in operations.

“We are not just building structures—we are constructing the foundations of future knowledge.”Prof. Simon Gicharu

5. Academic Progress and Mentorship

Mount Kigali University is not just expanding in space — we are deepening in substance.

We have:

Reviewed and introduced academic programmes aligned with Rwanda’s national development agenda. Embedded competency-based education in health sciences, education, business, and technology. Benefited from mentorship by experienced academic leaders, including the very Chancellor we install today.

“In Africa, when an old man dies, it is a library burning.” Amadou Hampate Ba

We will not wait to lose our libraries. We will write, we will research, and we will publish — now.

6. Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Impact

Our university is deeply rooted in the community — and we honour that through intentional service.

We have: Partnered with Imbuto Foundation to nurture youth leadership. Established Model ECDE Classrooms, raising national benchmarks in early childhood development.Delivered education sponsorships, medical outreach, and support for vulnerable populations.  “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress.” Kofi Annan. Through CSR, we do not just talk education. We live it. We extend it. We share it.

7. The Strategic Role of the Board of Directors

As Chairman, I affirm that the Board’s role is not to manage day-to-day affairs, but to chart the long-term direction of the university with clarity and confidence.

We have taken key strategic decisions, including: A 20-year Infrastructure Master Plan A financial sustainability model anchored in entrepreneurship Investment in digital learning ecosystems and smart campuses Promotion of quality assurance and global accreditation Strategic industry and university linkages Launch of a Graduate Employability Strategy Support for interdisciplinary research and scholarly publishing

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” Peter Drucker

Our goal is not just to be functional. It is to be formidable.

8. The Vision Ahead

With Prof. Kabaji at the helm, we see the future with greater confidence.

Our university will:

Scale up Masters and PhD programmes

Establish Centers of Excellence in entrepreneurship, climate action, and digital innovation

Host pan-African research conferences

Promote south-south academic collaboration

Drive a strong culture of scholarly writing and African authorship

“We do not aspire to be the biggest but to be the most impactful.”
Prof. Simon Gicharu

9. Message to the Chancellor

Prof. Kabaji, we welcome you not just as a Chancellor, but as a steward of vision and legacy.

Your voice will guide values. Your experience will shape strategy. Your scholarship will inspire excellence.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive  and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Maya Angelou

As we walk with you, we are confident in your leadership, inspired by your vision, and grateful for your presence.

10. Final Message to the University Community

To our faculty: Teach courageously. Lead boldly. Research tirelessly.
To our students: Your dreams are valid. Your time is now.
To our partners: We are worth the investment.
To our future: We are ready.

“It always seems impossible until it is done.” Nelson Mandela

Closing Words

Mount Kigali University is not just emerging —
It is rising.
It is ready.
It is rising with purpose.

Thank you.
God bless you.
And may God bless Mount Kigali University.