CUEA: Leads in Holistic Formation
The CUEA Pro-Chancellor, Most. Rev. Phillip Anyolo, Archbishop of Nairobi, confers a doctorate to Florence Githuthu during the Graduation Ceremony on Friday, October 28 at Langata Campus, Nairobi
Miriam Chege
On Friday, October 28, 2022. the Catholic University of Eastern Africa released 2,500 graduates into the market. The 41st Graduation Ceremony which was held at the Main Campus in Lang’ata was officiated by Hon. Ezekiel Machogu the Cabinet Secretary Education as the Guest of Honour with the Pro-Chancellor, Most Reverend Philip Anyolo conferring degrees on behalf of Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde the Chancellor of the University.
CUEA which is a private international premier University admits both private and government-sponsored students. Speaking at the ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor Most Reverend Philip Anyolo noted that CUEA stands tall as a fulfilment of the dreams of her founding AMECEA Bishops in the holistic formation of clergy and expertise in different fields.
“We remain proud of thousands of our alumni out there who are making a difference in service of humankind and the economic development of various nations. This is a true contribution and measure of a good university, and we are glad of what CUEA has achieved over the years,” Archbishop Anyolo added.
Hon. Ezekiel Machogu commended the University for its contribution in building the capacity for national development.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that Kenyans access quality and affordable education and I thank CUEA for playing its part commendably well,” he said.
With a rich heritage of close to 40 years, the University has grown both in size and impact. With an aspiration to become a beacon of excellence in academics, research and community service, CUEA has continually innovated its programmes and interrogated its purpose to respond to the dynamic environment.
According to Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, the University is dedicated to the research and dissemination of truth by offering lifelong learning programmes.
“We inspire scholars to be ethical leaders by embedding the social teaching of the Church in our curriculum to make scholars who are catalysts for integral human development and in doing so achieve personal fulfilment in life,” he noted.
As the world contends with moral erosion, CUEA has identified its differentiating niche.
“One of CUEA’s uniqueness is inclusion of Christian ethics and values in all academic courses to ensure that graduates not only qualify with relevant and market-driven skills and knowledge but they are grounded to serve humanity with kindness, love and humility,” noted Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari, the University Rector/Vice Chancellor.
“Apart from the academic curriculum, we have a rich non-curriculum which includes spiritual and emotional wellness as well as physical activities,” he added.
The spiritual welfare is driven by the University Chaplain who ensures not only that prayer and celebration of the Holy Mass are mainstreamed within the CUEA community but also empowers students to actively participate in various spiritual movements. The Dean of Students in partnership with the CUEA Students Organisation drive the emotional, social and physical wellbeing of the students by offering counselling services for good mental health, sporting and games activities to promote physical health as well as organises the various social activities such as International Students Dinner, Freshers’ Night, Finalists’’ Dinner and the famous Mr. and Miss CUEA Pageant. All these activities are well designed to ensure holistic formation of students and also to enhance the student experience at the University.
The faculties support students to undertake study tours and participate in competitions locally and internationally. “Our students have over the years performed outstandingly well in various Law Moot Court competitions locally and abroad and this remains our pride and joy,” remarked the VC.
The University, both at its Main Langata Campus and the Eldoret Gaba Campus, hosts a vibrant community that is rich and diverse with over 30 nationalities represented. The mix of students both lay and religious and the cultural and religious diversity gives students an opportunity to horn their interpersonal skills, create networks and learn. “Some of our students come from humble backgrounds and we support them through the CUEA Cardinal Otunga Scholarship Programme,” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
Apart from embracing and mainstreaming ethical teachings at CUEA, the University has invested in world-class technology and resources to support its programmes. The University offers a blended curriculum with students being able to learning both physically and virtually. In class, ICT equipment such as projectors and smart boards enhances teaching and learning experience. “During the COVID 19 lock down, the University shifted 100% to online teaching and learning and as a result, all our academic programmes went on seamlessly. We thank our partners who continue to support us in our mission and growth”, remarks the Rector and Vice Chancellor.
In his congratulations message to the 2022 graduands, the Very Rev. Prof. Mbugua, urged them to embrace the University values: Witness to life, prayer, honesty, excellence, truthfulness, commitment and competence. “Be great ambassadors of CUEA and know that the world will judge you more harshly simply because you are graduates of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. We look forward to hearing your great stories of high achievement and service to humanity,” he remarks
The University offers courses ranging from Certificate, Diploma, Degree to Post graduate levels through its five (5) faculties, two (2) Schools, (two) 2 Institutes and one (1) Centre namely: Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Law, School of Business, School of Nursing, Institute of Canon Law, Institute for Regional Integration and Development and Centre for Social Justice & Ethics. The University has invested resources to support all its learning programmes. It also works with other institutions and Universities locally and abroad for synergy. Its award-winning library for example is fully stocked with physical and electronics resources to support academics and research.
“The University pays special attention to the learning and research needs of our students especially our post graduate students. We have dedicated an area for them in the library where they can access the latest journals and publications for their research complete with a research Assistant who is ready to assist them access these materials. The students have a boardroom where they can have they discussions and a tea area where they can refresh and receive their calls without interrupting the tranquillity of the library”, says Mrs. Prof. Gesami, DVC Academics Affairs and Research at University.
The University has recently launched an Innovation Hub which is incubating innovative ideas from the students and alumni with an intention of commercialising them once they are mature to provide solutions to the challenges facing humanity.
In her congratulations message to the 2022 graduands, Mrs. Prof. Rachel K. Gesami urged them to walk and stand tall as genuine graduates, the products of a legitimate process, and the heirs apparent to the leadership roles in society. The CUEA’s track record stands for itself,” she noted.
The University Board of Trustees Chairman Most Rev. Anthony Muheria who also attended the 41st Graduation Ceremony noted that the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) is a case study when it comes to taking advantage of opportunities for growth in today’s environment. CUEA has developed market-driven programmes and has an Innovation Hub which directly responds to the changing needs of the industry and develops solutions for humanity. “I am glad to note that the University has partnered with the government to provide access to quality and value-based education not only to private sponsored students but also government-sponsored students across the social, faith and economic divide. This access is important to empowerment of young people,” he added.
The University recently reconstituted Council which is now led by Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki Njiru, has pledged to continue with the transformation journey of making the University bigger and greater in the coming days. In his congratulatory message to the graduating class on 2022, the Bishop thanks the AMECEA Bishops for giving him an opportunity to serve CUEA.
“I appreciate the University for the work that it has done in advancing knowledge through its academic programmes and research as well as the numerous conferences and publications done in pushing the discourse on various contemporary topics to the next level. I look forward to seeing the University partner more with Industry players towards bridging the ever present gap between theory and practice,” Bishop Kariuki noted.
He further added that he was glad to note that the University had joined the Laudato Si Global Movement by launching its Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Planning and Management and by being part of climate action through planting of trees, advocating for climate justice through art, social media messaging, conferences and interfaith forums. “The film, “The Letter – A Message for our Earth” was shown in Africa for the first time, through its premier show at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa on 15th of this month and I applaud the University and its partners for this”, added Bishop Kariuki.
Apart from its Faculties, the University runs its courses through constituent university colleges such as Tangaza University College, Marist International University College, Hekima University College, Catholic University of South Sudan, Christ the King Major Seminary, Psycho Spiritual Institute (PSI), St. Augustine Teachers College, Consolata Institute of Philosophy, ICAPAMI, (Chemichemi) and Institute of Religious Studies (IRS). In his graduation message, Mr. James Theuri, the Special Advisor to the Vice Chancellor and DVC in Charge Administration, Finance & Planning thanked all the constituent colleges, students, parents, guardians, sponsors, benefactors and partners for the trust and collaboration.
“As you leave CUEA, seek and find your purpose; and apply your strength, passion and diligence in its pursuit. Let your purpose be your North Star. Congratulations and God bless you,” he added.
The theme of this year’s CUEA graduation is, “Expanding Opportunities for Growth through Quality Education and Training in the Context of Changing World Dynamics”.
