Nairobi-based Jesuit University College Lauded for Educating, Forming “men, women of integrity, competence, conscience”

In the last four decades, HUC has demonstrated “unwavering dedication to the Ignatian Magis – a commitment to doing more for the greater glory of God,” Archbishop Anyolo said. 

Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

“Hekima may be situated on a small campus, but its impact is far-reaching. Over the years, this institution has produced graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions to the Church and society,” he said, adding, “Hekima is a testament to the fact that true greatness is not measured by size but by the quality of the individuals it forms and the values it instills in them.”

At HUC, the Jesuits are realizing their “commitment to nurturing the full potential of each student”, Archbishop Anyolo said, a commitment, he added, that “translates into an education that prioritizes not only academic excellence but also the formation of character and conscience.”

Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

“It is an education that prepares students to face the challenges of our world with wisdom, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility,” the Local Ordinary of ADN said during the celebration that was presided over by the Chancellor of the Roman Curia, Ghanaian-born Peter Kodwo Appiah Cardinal Turkson.

He went on to highlight the “Jesuit ethos of competence, character, and conscience” as being “crucial in addressing the continent’s challenges.”

Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

“In a continent plagued by the undeserved suffering of the masses, leading to revolutionary protests and strong desires for regime change, as we have seen in our own country, the formation of leaders who are driven by conscience and character is not just important – it is imperative,” he explained, referring to the Generation Z (Gen Z)-led protests against the controversial proposed Finance Bill 2024 in Kenya.

The Catholic Church leader called upon the HUC’s administration and the broader community to continue supporting the formation of women, youth, and children, emphasizing that their voices “are essential in the Church’s mission of transformation.”

Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

“As we stand at the threshold of a new academic year, we must remember that education is not just about acquiring knowledge – it is about formation. Whether in classrooms or family homes, on our streets or in offices, education is meant to prepare us for life, instilling in us a sense of purpose and commitment to achieving our dreams,” Archbishop Anyolo said.

In his homily during the August 17 celebration, Cardinal Turkson urged the students to cultivate a relationship with the Word of God, describing it as a “lamp lit within each person.”

Peter Kodwo Appiah Cardinal Turkson delivering the homily during the Inauguration Mass of the New Academic Year 2024-2025 at Hekima University College (HUC). Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

This lamp, the Ghanaian-born Cardinal said, “is not just for others to see our good works but a personal light that signifies one's relationship with the Lord.”

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“Here in the house of formation, we cannot have hunger for the Word of God. We need to feed on the Word of God,” Cardinal Turkson, who had explored the evolution of power in the Church and society earlier in his inaugural lecture said.

Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

He implored, “This inaugural Mass for the academic year 2024-2025 is a moment to invoke the Holy Spirit to guide us in everything we do, all that we purpose and put our mind to doing, that He strengthens and sustains us. Let this be our prayer as we begin this academic year that our intimacy with the Word of God will keep the flame of the Lord lit brightly within our lives.”

The opening of HUC’s 2024/2025 academic year has been marked under the theme, “HUC@41 Forward and Upward: A Bold Vision Filled with Hope.”

HUC Principal, Fr. Marcel Uwineza. Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

Launching the new academic year on behalf of the President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), Fr. John the Baptist Anyeh-Zamcho described the “remarkable achievements” of HUC over the last 41-year history as the “crown jewel” of Jesuits’ provision of higher education in Africa and Madagascar. 

Fr. John the Baptist Anyeh-Zamcho. Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

The newly approved Strategic Plan 2024-2030, Fr, Anyeh-Zamcho noted, “embodies the college’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and intellectual scholarship, all deeply infused with Jesuit humanism and Africanism.”

“Hekima is not interested in uncritically imparting knowledge.  Unlike many institutions focused on increasing student numbers, Hekima prioritizes real change and transformation, rejecting structures of injustice and ignorance,” the Socius, Admonitor, and Consultor to the JCAM President said.

Credit: Hekima University College (HUC)

He urged HUC students and staff to “rise to the occasion and harness the immense capacity of collective and collaborative work, encouraging the Hekima community to change our shells like the lobster and courageously embrace our destiny.”