Egerton University Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. George Muthaa, has called for sustained mentorship, research and international academic partnerships to empower students to become future researchers, innovators and leaders.
Speaking during the CESAAM and Egerton-Bowie Students’ Exchange Programme 2026 Symposium and Closing Ceremony at Egerton University main campus, Njoro , Prof. Muthaa commended the students for their enthusiasm, commitment and quality of research presentations, noting that the programme had provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship and academic collaboration.
Prof. George Muthaa, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Planning), Egerton University, delivers his remarks during the CESAAM and Egerton–Bowie Students Exchange Programme 2026 Symposium, sharing insights and encouragement with participating students, scholars and mentors.
Prof. Muthaa challenged the students to build on the knowledge and experiences gained during the exchange by pursuing further research and advanced studies. He encouraged them to transform the questions and ideas generated during the symposium into research projects, publications and innovations that can address emerging challenges.
He particularly underscored the importance of young people in addressing food security and sustainable development challenges, urging them to take an active role in finding solutions to issues affecting communities and the wider world.
The DVC also paid tribute to the mentors for investing their time and expertise in nurturing the next generation of scholars. He emphasised that mentorship should be sustained as an institutional culture, observing that today's students are the future academics, researchers and leaders who will carry forward the work of those who came before them.
Prof. Muthaa further commended the programme coordinators for ensuring continuity and a smooth transition of leadership, stressing the need to institutionalise such initiatives so that they continue to benefit future generations.
He noted that the exchange programme contributes directly to Egerton University's aspiration of becoming a world-class institution, particularly through knowledge creation, academic excellence, research collaboration, student mobility and international partnerships.
Prof. George Owuor, Director of Research, Egerton University, delivers his remarks during the CESAAM and Egerton–Bowie Students Exchange Programme 2026 Symposium, emphasising the importance of research, innovation and knowledge exchange in advancing academic excellence.
Prof. Anne Osano, Programme Director, delivers her remarks during the CESAAM and Egerton–Bowie Students Exchange Programme 2026 Symposium, inspiring participants through her insights and reflections on academic exchange, research and collaboration.
Concluding his remarks, Prof. Muthaa described the symposium not as an end, but “the beginning of greater things to come,” urging participants to sustain the spirit of collaboration, mentorship, research and knowledge exchange beyond the programme.
The symposium provided a valuable platform for students to showcase their research, engage with academics and mentors, and strengthen international partnerships aimed at advancing knowledge and sustainable development.
Prof Richard Mulwa making his remarks during the CESAAM and Egerton–Bowie Students Exchange Programme 2026 Symposium.
Prof. Osano particularly acknowledged the important role played by mentors, describing mentorship as a key pillar of the participants’ journey. He noted that the guidance, encouragement and support received from mentors helped students navigate their academic and personal experiences and gave them confidence to pursue their aspirations.
She also celebrated the friendships developed among participants, observing that the programme had created a sense of family and belonging. Despite coming from different backgrounds and institutions, the students were able to learn together, support one another and develop lasting bonds.
Reflecting on her experience, Prof. Osano expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom through academic engagements, cultural experiences and interaction with fellow participants. He emphasized that such experiences contribute significantly to personal growth and broaden perspectives.
She urther encouraged participants to carry the lessons and relationships gained from the programme into their future academic and professional journeys. According to her, the experience should serve as a foundation for continued collaboration, research, mentorship and knowledge exchange.
Prof. George Muthaa, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Planning) (Centre), listens attentively as a CESAAM student presents her research, alongside Prof. Anne Osano, Programme Director, and Prof. Owuor, Director of Research, during the CESAAM and Egerton–Bowie Students Exchange Programme 2026 Symposium.
By;John Emeripus, Communication Manager,
Egerton University.
