"TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION ACROSS AFRICA IS CRUCIAL" SAYS VC OF KABARAK UNIVERSITY, KENYA
The Vice-Chancellor, Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya, Professor Henry Kiptiony Kiplangat, Ph.D, MBS, OGW, has stated that transformational leadership in higher education across Africa is crucial in reshaping institutions to address the continent's unique challenges.
According to Prof. Kiplangat, transformational leadership inspires change, fosters innovation, and drives the development of academic institutions and the broader society.
He made these statements at a public lecture he delivered in Ibadan as part of the activities to celebrate UI @76 anniversary.
The lecture was entitled "Transformational Leadership in Higher Education: Empowering Africa's Future".
He said transformational leadership, focusing on vision,
innovation, and empowerment, is gaining prominence
in African higher education systems and that transformational leaders in African higher
education possess critical characteristics of visionary leadership, inclusivity and diversity collaboration and partnership building.
He explained that the role of transformational leadership in empowering
Africa’s future involves institutional transformation,
enhancing research and innovation and socio-economic impact and community engagement.
Professor Kiplangat noted that as the continent
navigates the challenges and opportunities of the 21st
century such as rapid technological advances,
globalisation, and socio-economic inequalities, there
is a growing recognition that higher education
institutions (HEIs) must play a pivotal role in preparing
future leaders.
Professor Kiplangat identified the key challenges facing transformational leadership in African higher education as resources constraints, political instability and government interference, brain drain, access and equity.
He submitted that transformational leadership in African higher education provides opportunities for expansion of digital learning and technological advancements, decolonisation and contextualisation of curriculum, global collaboration and partnerships, addressing social and economic development goals, building inclusive and equitable educational systems amongst others.
He therefore, suggested leadership development programs, policy reforms to ensure autonomy, and building a culture of innovation as ways for promoting transformational leadership in African higher education
Professor Kiplangat affirmed that transformational leadership is critical for the future of African higher education because transformational
leaders can drive the continent's socio-economic development by fostering institutional innovation, promoting inclusivity, and empowering students to become future leaders.
He said by
acknowledging the unique needs and opportunities within the African context, transformational
leadership can significantly enhance the quality and impact of higher education across the
continent, ultimately benefiting society.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, fspsp, FAS, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba fspsp, FNPA, acknowledged that the theme resonates deeply with shared commitment to excellence in higher education.
He explained that as institutions of higher learning, challenges and opportunities are interconnected and as higher institutions navigate the complexities of the 21st century, transformational leadership has become imperative.
Professor Olapegba stated that higher education demands visionaries who can inspire, empower, and drive change, while universities must foster innovation, creativity, and critical thinking to equip Africa's future leaders.
He assured that the University of Ibadan will remain committed to creating an environment that nurtures excellence, promotes inclusivity, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.
He affirmed that the University of Ibadan believes in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, developing contextualized curricula that address Africa's unique challenges, strengthening partnerships with industry, government, and communities, and promoting academic excellence, research, and scholarship.
Professor Kiplangat's presence and public lecture at the University of Ibadan underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing across borders.
