VC Urges Student Leaders to Champion Innovation, Accountability and Responsible Leadership

Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage has challenged student leaders to embrace responsible leadership, promote innovation, and work closely with the university management to improve the institution.

Speaking at the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI)during an engagement and induction of members of the Students Governing Council and other student leaders, Prof. Kibwage said rehabilitation and environmental conservation should remain key priorities for the university community despite the diverse academic specializations offered at the institution.

He noted that rehabilitation initiatives were important in supporting students and ensuring a conducive learning environment. At the same time, he emphasized that environmental conservation should remain a shared responsibility for all members of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor also stressed the importance of innovation among students and encouraged them to actively participate in research and creative problem-solving initiatives.

He cited the example of a student who developed an innovation but failed to secure a patent because he publicly disclosed too much information about the invention before completing the patenting process.

According to Prof. Kibwage, students with innovative ideas should seek mentorship and professional guidance to protect their intellectual property and maximize the benefits of their inventions.

He urged student leaders to encourage their colleagues to join learning and professional clubs that would help them develop skills and make productive use of their energy.

“You are young people with a lot of energy. Spend the energy wisely by joining learning clubs to align with our university motto of transforming lives through quality education,” he said.

Prof. Kibwage also highlighted the importance of understanding university financing. He said student leaders needed to appreciate the financial realities facing institutions of higher learning.

“Resources are always limited. You need to understand how higher education is funded. I hope all of you have completed your school fees,” he told the students.

He explained that many student leaders might not be aware that government funding agencies do not always provide the full amount required to support university operations and student financing. This, he said, places significant pressure on university management.

The Vice-Chancellor warned that some activities currently enjoyed by students could become difficult to sustain if available resources were not managed prudently.

“This kind of function may not be possible in future if we do not manage the minimal resources well as we await government allocations through HELB and the University Fund,” he said.

He challenged student leaders to play a role in promoting prudent management of university resources and maintaining proper financial records.

“There is nothing as bad as being accused of misappropriation of university resources,” he remarked.

Prof. Kibwage further advised student leaders to familiarize themselves with university policies and regulations affecting student affairs. He noted that the policies were available on the university website and summarized in the student handbook.

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the leaders to view themselves as partners of management rather than adversaries.

“There are those student leaders who think they are elected to fight management. However, it is never easy to win against management,” he said.

He added that his office remained open to students and that student concerns were given priority.

“I always tell Senate that our core business is students, and their issues must be addressed promptly. In my office, I give priority to students first, then staff and other stakeholders,” he noted.

On research and innovation, Prof. Kibwage challenged student leaders to champion a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship. He encouraged students to develop enterprises that could eventually generate income and contribute to the university’s growth.

“We are willing to fund outstanding student innovations. You do not have to be a postgraduate student. As an undergraduate student, you can develop an idea, win funding, commercialize it and solve problems. Be creators of employment,” he said.

The Professor of Pharmacy observed that some of the best ideas often originate from young people and urged students to take advantage of available opportunities.

He also emphasized the importance of effective communication and warned against spreading unverified information.

According to him, rumours could create unnecessary anxiety and disrupt normal university operations. He advised student leaders to understand the Cybercrimes Act and act responsibly when communicating online.

“The internet never forgets,” he cautioned.

Prof. Kibwage said some graduates publicly criticize the university despite having earned their qualifications from the same institution.

“Some post that Egerton University is useless, yet they are graduates of the same university. The implication is that they are calling themselves useless. Is that proper?” he posed.

He also cautioned students against taking nude photographs, warning that such images could easily be leaked in the modern digital environment.

On mental health, the Vice-Chancellor urged student leaders to look out for one another and identify challenges early.

“Mental health, when identified early, can be reversed. When identified late, it may become difficult to manage,” he said.

He discouraged the use of bhang and miraa, noting with concern reports that more female students were increasingly engaging in bhang smoking.

The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged leaders to listen carefully to students and work collectively to address emerging challenges.

“Good leaders listen and keep an ear on the issues affecting students. Together, we can handle those issues,” he said.

Prof. Kibwage also explained the university governance structure. He said the Chancellor’s major functions include university visitation and the conferment of degrees. He outlined the roles of the University Council, the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellors.

He noted that the university currently has Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Finance and Planning Prof. George Muthaa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Research and Extension Prof. Bernard Aduda, and Principal of Nakuru City Campus College Prof. George Ogend. 

He added that registrars report to the Vice-Chancellor, although their day-to-day responsibilities are coordinated through the respective Deputy Vice-Chancellors.

Chief Finance Officer Mr Charles Wanjohi also inducted the student’s leaders on prudent financial management. He reminded them of proper budgeting and verifiable documentation that will enable them to account for the funds allocated to student’s governance by the association.

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