MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR & DIRECTOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

A question that comes into everybody’s mind whenever an idea of a new university comes up is: Why a new university when the existing ones are facing all kinds of challenges and some considering closing? Clearly, there is a paradox facing higher education across Africa. On one hand, governments, and development agencies still consider an educated citizenry as the main catalyst for social and economic development, while on the other hand, there is a general discontent that the kind of education being offered in most universities does not offer the necessary skills for the job market. Why a disconnect between societal needs and the kind of education being offered? The Proposed Hekima University will be guided by a vision and mission that try to resolve this paradox. Greater social transformation across Africa is only possible when universities across Africa are both visionary and ethical. Parents, students, and lecturers seem to be in agreement that moral values are on the decline. Whenever a question is posed on what are the key values that a university needs, the majority of respondents mention: Integrity, Honesty, and Accountability.  According to these responses, it seems evident that social progress is first and foremost a moral issue.

The second question that guides the philosophy of The Proposed Hekima University, will be about the kind of skills that are most needed for the 21^st Century, marked by what has been termed the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Most stakeholders point to the need for digital/Information Technological and entrepreneurial skills. This is why the mission of the Proposed Hekima University aims to “form men and women committed to the advancement of innovative knowledge and technological entrepreneurship for a just and humane society.” It is these elements in the mission statement of the Proposed Hekima University that are largely missing in most universities across Africa. Knowledge is being advanced all over Eastern Africa, but is it innovative? There is also quite a bit of technological know-how within the Eastern Africa region, but is it entrepreneurial? Even if there was some innovative knowledge and technological entrepreneurship, is it advancing a just and humane society? If the answer to these questions was “Yes”, the Eastern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus, would think twice before attempting to set up a university in the region.

To arrive at the stated vision and mission, the academic programs and modes of delivery have to differ radically from the existing ones. To this goal, the Proposed Hekima University will offer cutting-edge and trans-disciplinary programs that are experiential and hands-on. Among the vital skills that all programs will impart are critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative response to societal challenges. A strong ICT component as well as cutting-edge research and innovation will be the distinguishing characteristics of the Proposed Hekima University. While the thrust of the academic program seems to lean more on science and technological innovation, some courses form humanities such as philosophy, ethics, and spirituality will be compulsory, to respond to the ethical challenges facing society.