By Wasike Elvis
A new dawn has arrived for the University of Eldoret (UoE) as it officially launched the African Institute for Professional and Development Studies (AIPDS). This historic event, presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot, marks a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic transformation, research excellence, and professional development.
The newly established AIPDS is envisioned as a Centre of Excellence dedicated to education, research, training, and exchange programs with a global outlook. The institute seeks to enhance transdisciplinary research, foster African-centered knowledge production, and facilitate academic and student mobility across continents.
In his keynote address during the launch, Prof. Cheruiyot emphasized that the institute is aligned with the university’s ongoing transformation agenda, which began one and a half years ago when he assumed leadership. He stated that AIPDS will play a pivotal role in nurturing leaders and innovators, ensuring that education and research in Africa are carried out from an original and undiluted perspective.
"The institute is a testament to our mission of providing quality education, training, research, and entrepreneurship. It captures and integrates research and all development aspects in a unified approach," he said.
Prof. Cheruiyot underscored the university’s role in strengthening research and academic collaborations, highlighting that AIPDS will position UoE as a major player in the global education and research landscape.
"Through this institute, we shall facilitate professional development, training, and global partnerships to enable our students and faculty to engage in impactful research and cross-border knowledge exchange," he added.
A Grand Opening Ceremony
The launch event kicked off with a spectacular performance by the Eagles Drama Club, setting the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking session. Their artistic presentation captured the essence of African identity, research, and the role of education in shaping a dynamic and progressive society.
Following the performance, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students' Affairs), Prof. Godfrey Netondo, delivered the official welcome speech. He hailed the establishment of AIPDS as a major milestone for the University of Eldoret, particularly for the Academic Division.
"Research is a fundamental pillar of learning and development. This institute places our university in a unique position to foster stronger research collaborations, both locally and internationally," Prof. Netondo stated.
He stressed that AIPDS will play a key role in identifying scholars and researchers who can engage in groundbreaking international research projects.
A Vision for Research and Transformation
The Acting Director of AIPDS, Dr. Otieno Ong’ayo, extended his appreciation to Prof. Cheruiyot for his visionary leadership, which has propelled UoE toward becoming a leading center for transformative research and knowledge generation.
Dr. Ong’ayo explained that AIPDS is founded on the principles of epistemic decolonization, aiming to redefine how education and research are conducted in Africa.
"The philosophy of this institute is built on responsiveness, transformation, and transcendence. Our goal is to strengthen, support, and facilitate transdisciplinary research, ensuring that African scholarship retains its authenticity and impact," he remarked.
He further outlined the three core pillars of the institute:
- Education and Research – Developing and supporting innovative research methodologies tailored to Africa’s needs.
- Training and Professional Development – Providing specialized training programs and certifications to enhance expertise.
- Research and Partnerships – Establishing strategic collaborations with global institutions to expand research opportunities.
Dr. Ong’ayo assured attendees that AIPDS will act as a bridge between academia, industry, and policy, ensuring that research findings translate into practical solutions for Africa’s socio-economic challenges.
A Thought-Provoking Keynote Address
One of the highlights of the event was a compelling keynote address by Dr. Khanysile Tshabalala, the Continental Chairperson of the African Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows (APNIFFT). Her speech delved into African spirituality, the contradictions of the education system, and the need to decolonize African knowledge production.
Quoting literary icons such as Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Steve Biko, Dr. Tshabalala lamented how capitalism has weakened the African philosophy of Ubuntu, resulting in a society that is increasingly detached from its cultural identity.
"Our lives are a battlefield on which is fought a continuous war between the forces that are pledged to confirm our humanity and those determined to dismantle it," she quoted Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, urging scholars to embrace education systems that preserve African values and traditions.
Her address provided deep insights into the role of African institutions in shaping a knowledge economy that is rooted in the continent’s history, culture, and identity.
Distinguished Speakers and Expert Contributions
The event brought together a distinguished panel of scholars, policymakers, and researchers, who shared their expertise on various aspects of education, research, and African development. Among the key speakers were:
- Prof. Jackson Too – Director of Research, Commission for University Education
- Dr. Rahab Njeri – Historian
- Prof. Miriam Kinyua – Professor of Plant Breeding, University of Eldoret
- Odilla Okonja – AIPDS Representative
- Dr. Elizabeth Ngutuku – Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa
- Lisebeth Peroti – International Scholar
Each speaker contributed unique perspectives on how African universities can leverage research, training, and policy to drive sustainable development. Their discussions emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, investment in higher education, and preserving Africa’s indigenous knowledge systems.
AIPDS: A Bright Future Ahead
As the University of Eldoret takes this transformative step forward, AIPDS is set to redefine the African academic and research landscape. The institute’s launch aligns with UoE’s broader mission of providing quality education, training, research, and entrepreneurship in disciplines such as Science, Agriculture, Engineering, Technology, and the Arts.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Cheruiyot assured stakeholders that AIPDS will serve as a key driver of academic excellence, bridging the gap between education, industry, and policy formulation.
"This institute will be a beacon of knowledge, producing graduates and researchers who will make a significant impact on the African continent and beyond," he stated.
With a strong commitment to research, professional training, and academic collaborations, AIPDS is poised to shape the future of education in Africa. The successful launch event has set the foundation for a new chapter in UoE’s history, solidifying its position as a leading institution in knowledge production and innovation.
As the university embarks on this new journey, it is clear that AIPDS will not only transform the institution but also contribute significantly to Africa’s intellectual and economic growth.
— END —
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.