Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa has officially taken over as the new Meru University Chancellor, succeeding Equity Bank Group CEO James Mwangi who has been at the helm for a decade.
The ceremony which was marked by pomp and colour saw Ndegwa inaugurated as the second Chancellor and bequeathed all the instruments of power including the mace, and the University Charter and portrait.
Ndegwa was appointed to the position by President William Ruto on November 1, 2023, to serve for five years.
The Equity Bank boss regaled how the institution had grown from a polytechnic to a world-class research university.
“I am leaving Meru University with memories of ten years we have worked together to bring life to the vision and mission of this university. In these ten years I have been in situations where I have thought it special that am getting to experience this,” he said.
Mwangi said that he is confident Ndegwa will bring immense value in implementing the university’s vision owing to his wealth of management experience garnered during his tenure in corporate leadership.
The new Chancellor promised to transform the university into a powerhouse in Science and Technology.
The CEO recognized the enormous growth in student population from 4,000 to 12,000 in the last five months, saying that addition of staff and faculties to support students was necessary.
“I am particularly keen to avail opportunities for students through the development of digital skills. I can commit these through various programmes we have at Safaricom,” he said.
He said that with the focus of the university being producing students in the Science and Technology fields, organizations such as Safaricom and others will hold annual events to keep students aware and prepared when they leave the institution.
“I believe that university should provide not just an education but an experience that nurtures a person’s intellectual growth,” he said.
“My passion for education is not merely a professional commitment but a personal conviction. I have benefited a lot from education. I came from a very ordinary background like many of you and I know how important education is,” he added.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Otieno lauded the outgoing Chancellor for his dedicated service in the ten years he presided over the university.
Also present were Principal Secretary (PS) for Higher Education and Research, Beatrice Inyangala, Chairperson of the University Council Jane Kiringa and Njuri Ncheke elders among other dignitaries.
By John Majau
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