Janet Oyende, Author at Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa. https://www.aua.ac.ke/author/janet/ Its mission is to deliver dynamic postgraduate education in a Christian context, to prepare graduates to provide competent leadership and service based on integrity, respect, and love, to meet the needs of church and society. Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:52:08 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://www.aua.ac.ke/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/aua-tsp-logo-200x200.png Janet Oyende, Author at Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa. https://www.aua.ac.ke/author/janet/ 32 32 212304295 AUA Installs and Welcomes Its 4th Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo https://www.aua.ac.ke/aua-installs-and-welcomes-its-4th-vice-chancellor-prof-ademola-s-tayo/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:34:15 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=26182 Sunday Morning: History Made Twice Sunday, June 28 carried a double weight of significance, and the programme honoured both. The VC Installation Service (9:00 a.m.) To the soaring strains of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 in D Major, the academic procession entered the auditorium. Chancellor Dr. Harrington Simui Akombwa — who also serves as President of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division — declared the congregation constituted and presided over the formal installation of AUA’s fourth Vice Chancellor. Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research at Kenya’s Ministry of Education, delivered the keynote address. She arrived not merely as a government representative, but as someone with a genuine investment in the question of what African higher education is truly for. “There are moments in the life of an institution that are not merely ceremonial — they are providential,” she said. “Today is one such moment. We gather to celebrate two milestones that rarely converge in one sacred assembly. One ceremony welcomes new leadership; the other commissions a new generation. One passes the mantle, the other sends forth ambassadors. Together they symbolise continuity and renewal — a reminder that while leaders change and students graduate, the mission continues.” Drawing from the book of Daniel, she spoke directly to the responsibilities of university leadership. Daniel, she reminded the audience, was distinguished not merely by his competence but by an excellent spirit — a quality that preceded and sustained every other achievement. “A great university will not only be measured by strategic plans and infrastructure projects,” she told Prof. Tayo, “but by the lives transformed under your stewardship.” To the graduating class, she was both celebratory and unflinching. “Behind each smiling face today sits a story of perseverance. Some of you studied while supporting families. Others overcame financial hardship, personal loss, or moments of doubt — yet by God’s grace, you endured.” She offered five counsels to carry into the world: never stop learning; guard your integrity; prioritise service over status; build genuine relationships; and keep Christ at the centre. “When your identity is rooted in Christ,” she said, “success will never make you arrogant, and failure will never destroy you.” She widened the frame with a challenge drawn from Africa’s own demographic reality. “By 2050, one in every four people on earth will be African. Our continent possesses the youngest population in the world, with approximately 60 per cent of its people under the age of 25. The question is not whether Africa has potential — the question is whether Africa will produce leaders capable of transforming that potential into prosperity. And you are that leader.” She closed with a word for both the incoming Vice Chancellor and the institution at large: “This university will remain firmly anchored in its biblical foundation — but innovation and faithfulness are not opposing forces. Together, they ensure that this institution remains both relevant and rooted.” Vice Chancellor’s Profile was then read by Dr. David Odhiambo of the AUA faculty. The Chancellor formally robed Prof. Tayo and presented the Symbols of Authority — the University Charter, Statutes, Seal, Logo, and Mace — each item carrying the weight of an institution now two decades in the making. Advocate Ken Nyaundi administered the Oath of Office, after which Chancellor Akombwa delivered the Installation Charge. Congratulatory messages followed from Dr. Robert Osei-Bonsu, University Council Chair and General Vice-President of the General Conference, and from Dr. Emily Akuno, Vice-Chancellor of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. The dedicatory prayer was offered by Dr. Paulus Dingindawo Shongwe, President of the Southern Africa Union Conference. A written message from outgoing Vice Chancellor Dr. Vincent Injety — who served AUA faithfully from 2021 to 2025 — was also received. “Leadership at this university is a sacred privilege more than administration,” he wrote, “a divine call rather than a transfer. It requires Godly wisdom, integrity, courage, and an unwavering dedication to Adventist Education, academic excellence and student success.” A University at a Defining Moment The weekend captured something larger than any single ceremony. AUA was founded in response to a continent growing faster than its institutions could train leaders for. The Africa Graduate Education Taskforce was appointed in 2001. The General Conference voted to establish the institution in 2003. The Letter of Interim Authority came in 2008. The Charter followed in March 2013. Fifteen graduation ceremonies later, 1,192 alumni later, AUA turns its eyes toward what it is still becoming. The recessional that closed Sunday’s ceremony — Jeremiah Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary — rang out over Advent Hill, carrying the sound of something that has been faithfully built, and something that, under new leadership, is still being built.  

The post AUA Installs and Welcomes Its 4th Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>

Sunday Morning: History Made Twice

Sunday, June 28 carried a double weight of significance, and the programme honoured both.

The VC Installation Service (9:00 a.m.)

To the soaring strains of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 in D Major, the academic procession entered the auditorium. Chancellor Dr. Harrington Simui Akombwa — who also serves as President of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division — declared the congregation constituted and presided over the formal installation of AUA’s fourth Vice Chancellor.

Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research at Kenya’s Ministry of Education, delivered the keynote address. She arrived not merely as a government representative, but as someone with a genuine investment in the question of what African higher education is truly for.

“There are moments in the life of an institution that are not merely ceremonial — they are providential,” she said. “Today is one such moment. We gather to celebrate two milestones that rarely converge in one sacred assembly. One ceremony welcomes new leadership; the other commissions a new generation. One passes the mantle, the other sends forth ambassadors. Together they symbolise continuity and renewal — a reminder that while leaders change and students graduate, the mission continues.”

Drawing from the book of Daniel, she spoke directly to the responsibilities of university leadership. Daniel, she reminded the audience, was distinguished not merely by his competence but by an excellent spirit — a quality that preceded and sustained every other achievement. “A great university will not only be measured by strategic plans and infrastructure projects,” she told Prof. Tayo, “but by the lives transformed under your stewardship.”

To the graduating class, she was both celebratory and unflinching. “Behind each smiling face today sits a story of perseverance. Some of you studied while supporting families. Others overcame financial hardship, personal loss, or moments of doubt — yet by God’s grace, you endured.” She offered five counsels to carry into the world: never stop learning; guard your integrity; prioritise service over status; build genuine relationships; and keep Christ at the centre. “When your identity is rooted in Christ,” she said, “success will never make you arrogant, and failure will never destroy you.”

She widened the frame with a challenge drawn from Africa’s own demographic reality. “By 2050, one in every four people on earth will be African. Our continent possesses the youngest population in the world, with approximately 60 per cent of its people under the age of 25. The question is not whether Africa has potential — the question is whether Africa will produce leaders capable of transforming that potential into prosperity. And you are that leader.”

She closed with a word for both the incoming Vice Chancellor and the institution at large: “This university will remain firmly anchored in its biblical foundation — but innovation and faithfulness are not opposing forces. Together, they ensure that this institution remains both relevant and rooted.”

Vice Chancellor’s Profile was then read by Dr. David Odhiambo of the AUA faculty. The Chancellor formally robed Prof. Tayo and presented the Symbols of Authority — the University Charter, Statutes, Seal, Logo, and Mace — each item carrying the weight of an institution now two decades in the making. Advocate Ken Nyaundi administered the Oath of Office, after which Chancellor Akombwa delivered the Installation Charge.

Congratulatory messages followed from Dr. Robert Osei-Bonsu, University Council Chair and General Vice-President of the General Conference, and from Dr. Emily Akuno, Vice-Chancellor of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. The dedicatory prayer was offered by Dr. Paulus Dingindawo Shongwe, President of the Southern Africa Union Conference.

A written message from outgoing Vice Chancellor Dr. Vincent Injety — who served AUA faithfully from 2021 to 2025 — was also received. “Leadership at this university is a sacred privilege more than administration,” he wrote, “a divine call rather than a transfer. It requires Godly wisdom, integrity, courage, and an unwavering dedication to Adventist Education, academic excellence and student success.”

A University at a Defining Moment

The weekend captured something larger than any single ceremony. AUA was founded in response to a continent growing faster than its institutions could train leaders for. The Africa Graduate Education Taskforce was appointed in 2001. The General Conference voted to establish the institution in 2003. The Letter of Interim Authority came in 2008. The Charter followed in March 2013. Fifteen graduation ceremonies later, 1,192 alumni later, AUA turns its eyes toward what it is still becoming.

The recessional that closed Sunday’s ceremony — Jeremiah Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary — rang out over Advent Hill, carrying the sound of something that has been faithfully built, and something that, under new leadership, is still being built.

 

The post AUA Installs and Welcomes Its 4th Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> 26182 “For Africa, For the Church, and For Christ”: AUA Celebrates 15th Graduation https://www.aua.ac.ke/for-africa-for-the-church-and-for-christ-aua-celebrates-15th-graduation-and-welcomes-its-4th-vice-chancellor/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:19:02 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=26173 There is a particular kind of joy that settles over a campus when it marks a milestone that is both historical and deeply personal. That is what Advent Hill felt like this past weekend. From Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, the Adventist University of Africa (AUA) hosted three days of worship, celebration, and institutional renewal — its 15th Graduation Ceremony, combined with the Installation of Professor Ademola S. Tayo as the 4th Vice Chancellor. Held at the Simeon Nyachae Auditorium, the weekend drew church leaders representing the General Conference and three SDA African Divisions, government officials, fellow Vice Chancellors, faculty, alumni, students, and the proud families who have walked every step of this journey alongside their graduates. The theme chosen by the graduating class captured both the spirit of the weekend and the mission of the institution: “Rooted in Christ, Empowered for Service.” Friday Evening: Setting the Heart Right The weekend opened on Friday, June 26, with a Consecration Service at 7:00 p.m. Before anything else — before the ceremony, the gowns, the handshakes and photographs — the graduates gathered to do what Adventist education has always asked them to do first: turn toward God. Dr. Jongimpi Papu, Associate Ministerial Secretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Editor of Ministry Magazine, preached the Consecration Sermon, Why Service Matters. A scholar-practitioner in missiology and church leadership, Dr. Papu brought both intellectual rigour and pastoral warmth to a gathering that needed both. Graduating students from Angola provided special music — a reminder of how far the AUA community stretches across the continent. The Chaplain of the Eagle Graduating Class, Godfred Kwesi Ataburo, led the class response. It was a fitting beginning — unhurried, worshipful, and pointed squarely at the reason any of them were there. Saturday: A Full Sabbath on Advent Hill Sabbath, June 27 unfolded in three movements, each distinct in character. The Baccalaureate Service opened with processional music and the Doxology. Dr. Moses Ndimukika Maka, Executive Secretary of the East-Central Africa Division — a man who has himself given over 32 years to the Seventh-day Adventist Church — delivered the Baccalaureate sermon. His title echoed the class theme: “Rooted in Christ, Empowered for Service.”  The Tribute Service belonged entirely to the students. One by one, representatives from the graduating class took the podium to honour the people who made their education possible. Tributes were offered to families and spouses, to faculty and staff, to the university itself, and to sponsors. A class gift was presented, roses distributed, and the room filled with the kind of gratitude that does not easily find its way into formal speeches — but found its way fully into this one.   The Commencement Service: On Roots, Fruits, and Eternity The installation gave way seamlessly to the Commencement Service, and it was Dr. Robert Osei-Bonsu — Council Chair, General Vice-President of the General Conference, former AUA faculty member, and former Dean of the Theological Seminary — who stood to preach. He began by telling the graduates something simple and true: “This university is not distant to me. It is close to my heart.” He had watched some of the faces in front of him arrive as students. Now he was sending them forth. He anchored his address in Colossians 2:6-7 and built from it a sustained, searching meditation on what it truly means to be rooted. “A tree does not survive because of what everybody sees,” he said. “It survives because of what almost nobody sees. Its strength lies beneath the surface. So it is with a Christian graduate. Your degree will be visible. Your title will be visible. Your regalia today is visible. But what will preserve you through temptation, pressure, disappointment, and even success itself — is not what is on the surface. It is what is underground. It is the depth of your walk with God.” He named the defining spiritual danger of this age not as ignorance, but as rootlessness. “We live in a time when people can be informed but are not transformed. People may be connected but not grounded. People may be visible but not trustworthy. We can learn to build platforms before we learn to build character. We can master methods before we submit to the Master. But the gospel reverses that order. In the kingdom of God, inward formation comes before enduring public usefulness. Christ first, then calling. Christ first, then competence. Christ first, then credibility.” Drawing from seasons, rivers, the morning sun, and the winter trees he had watched burst back to life in spring, he counselled the graduates against impatience and anxious ambition. He spoke from personal experience: there were seasons in his own ministry when doors he expected to open did not open. “The silence of a closed door is not the absence of God,” he said. “Human beings may frustrate a process, but they cannot overturn a purpose whose time has come in the will of God. Don’t rush. Be in God’s purpose.” On the class motto — Truth, Service, Eternity — he lingered with intention. “Truth in an age of confusion is an act of discipleship,” he said. “It means intellectual honesty, moral clarity, reverence for Scripture, and respect for evidence. Jesus did not merely teach truth — He declared, I am the truth. Therefore, to live truthfully is to live Christ’s word.” On service: “Service is theology made visible. Service is love with hands and feet. If Christ washes feet, no work done in His spirit is beneath your dignity. If Christ touched lepers, no human pain should be unworthy of your attention. The more educated you become, the more accessible you should be to those who need wisdom, compassion, and help.” And on eternity: “We live in a world obsessed with immediacy — instant results, instant fame, instant visibility. Adventist education refuses to imprison human life within the present moment. The eternal perspective does not make us careless about the present. It makes us faithful in it.” His

The post “For Africa, For the Church, and For Christ”: AUA Celebrates 15th Graduation appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>

There is a particular kind of joy that settles over a campus when it marks a milestone that is both historical and deeply personal. That is what Advent Hill felt like this past weekend.

From Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, the Adventist University of Africa (AUA) hosted three days of worship, celebration, and institutional renewal — its 15th Graduation Ceremony, combined with the Installation of Professor Ademola S. Tayo as the 4th Vice Chancellor. Held at the Simeon Nyachae Auditorium, the weekend drew church leaders representing the General Conference and three SDA African Divisions, government officials, fellow Vice Chancellors, faculty, alumni, students, and the proud families who have walked every step of this journey alongside their graduates.

The theme chosen by the graduating class captured both the spirit of the weekend and the mission of the institution: “Rooted in Christ, Empowered for Service.”

Friday Evening: Setting the Heart Right

The weekend opened on Friday, June 26, with a Consecration Service at 7:00 p.m. Before anything else — before the ceremony, the gowns, the handshakes and photographs — the graduates gathered to do what Adventist education has always asked them to do first: turn toward God.

Dr. Jongimpi Papu, Associate Ministerial Secretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Editor of Ministry Magazine, preached the Consecration Sermon, Why Service Matters. A scholar-practitioner in missiology and church leadership, Dr. Papu brought both intellectual rigour and pastoral warmth to a gathering that needed both. Graduating students from Angola provided special music — a reminder of how far the AUA community stretches across the continent.

The Chaplain of the Eagle Graduating Class, Godfred Kwesi Ataburo, led the class response. It was a fitting beginning — unhurried, worshipful, and pointed squarely at the reason any of them were there.

Saturday: A Full Sabbath on Advent Hill

Sabbath, June 27 unfolded in three movements, each distinct in character.

The Baccalaureate Service opened with processional music and the Doxology. Dr. Moses Ndimukika Maka, Executive Secretary of the East-Central Africa Division — a man who has himself given over 32 years to the Seventh-day Adventist Church — delivered the Baccalaureate sermon. His title echoed the class theme: “Rooted in Christ, Empowered for Service.” 

The Tribute Service belonged entirely to the students. One by one, representatives from the graduating class took the podium to honour the people who made their education possible. Tributes were offered to families and spouses, to faculty and staff, to the university itself, and to sponsors. A class gift was presented, roses distributed, and the room filled with the kind of gratitude that does not easily find its way into formal speeches — but found its way fully into this one.

 

The Commencement Service: On Roots, Fruits, and Eternity

The installation gave way seamlessly to the Commencement Service, and it was Dr. Robert Osei-Bonsu — Council Chair, General Vice-President of the General Conference, former AUA faculty member, and former Dean of the Theological Seminary — who stood to preach. He began by telling the graduates something simple and true: “This university is not distant to me. It is close to my heart.” He had watched some of the faces in front of him arrive as students. Now he was sending them forth.

He anchored his address in Colossians 2:6-7 and built from it a sustained, searching meditation on what it truly means to be rooted.

“A tree does not survive because of what everybody sees,” he said. “It survives because of what almost nobody sees. Its strength lies beneath the surface. So it is with a Christian graduate. Your degree will be visible. Your title will be visible. Your regalia today is visible. But what will preserve you through temptation, pressure, disappointment, and even success itself — is not what is on the surface. It is what is underground. It is the depth of your walk with God.”

He named the defining spiritual danger of this age not as ignorance, but as rootlessness. “We live in a time when people can be informed but are not transformed. People may be connected but not grounded. People may be visible but not trustworthy. We can learn to build platforms before we learn to build character. We can master methods before we submit to the Master. But the gospel reverses that order. In the kingdom of God, inward formation comes before enduring public usefulness. Christ first, then calling. Christ first, then competence. Christ first, then credibility.”

Drawing from seasons, rivers, the morning sun, and the winter trees he had watched burst back to life in spring, he counselled the graduates against impatience and anxious ambition. He spoke from personal experience: there were seasons in his own ministry when doors he expected to open did not open. “The silence of a closed door is not the absence of God,” he said. “Human beings may frustrate a process, but they cannot overturn a purpose whose time has come in the will of God. Don’t rush. Be in God’s purpose.”

On the class motto — Truth, Service, Eternity — he lingered with intention. “Truth in an age of confusion is an act of discipleship,” he said. “It means intellectual honesty, moral clarity, reverence for Scripture, and respect for evidence. Jesus did not merely teach truth — He declared, I am the truth. Therefore, to live truthfully is to live Christ’s word.” On service: “Service is theology made visible. Service is love with hands and feet. If Christ washes feet, no work done in His spirit is beneath your dignity. If Christ touched lepers, no human pain should be unworthy of your attention. The more educated you become, the more accessible you should be to those who need wisdom, compassion, and help.” And on eternity: “We live in a world obsessed with immediacy — instant results, instant fame, instant visibility. Adventist education refuses to imprison human life within the present moment. The eternal perspective does not make us careless about the present. It makes us faithful in it.”

His pastoral charge to the graduates was the most personal moment of the entire weekend:

“Stay rooted when you are praised. Stay rooted when you are opposed. Stay rooted when success tempts you to self-sufficiency. Stay rooted when failure tempts you to despair. Remain in Christ when you enter the office. Remain in Christ when you enter the classroom, the boardroom, the village, the hospital, the pulpit, the research lab, the digital space, or the mission field. Do not separate devotion from vocation. Do not separate excellence from holiness.”

He closed with a prayer for the record that AUA’s Class of 2026 will leave behind them: “My prayer is that when history tells the story of this graduating class, it will not simply say you were intelligent — it will say you were anchored. It will not simply say you were accomplished — it will say you were faithful. It will not simply say you were admired — it will say you reflected Jesus Christ in all aspects of your life.”

Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies Dr. Lossan Bonde and Dean of the Theological Seminary Dr. Feliks Ponyatovskiy then presented their candidates. Chancellor Akombwa conferred the degrees, and Prof. Tayo — in one of his first official acts as installed Vice Chancellor — presented degrees alongside Registrar Samson Otieno Ooko.

Student Excellence Awards were announced by Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Moses Mpiima Kibirango. Class President Harriet Osaretin Ikhane delivered the Class Response, and the new alumni were inducted into the AUA Alumni Association by its President, Dr. Gerald Nyarega Mochoge.

The Eagle Graduating Class of 2026

The Eagle Graduating Class of 2026 chose their identity with care. Their class name evokes Isaiah 40:31 — *”Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength and mount up with wings like eagles.”* Their motto, Truth, Service, Eternity, speaks of what their time at AUA was meant to cultivate. Their colours — Regal Blue and Celestial Grey — carry meaning their own Vice Chancellor unpacked for them: Regal Blue for authority, wisdom, trust, and excellence; Celestial Grey for balance, calmness, maturity, and the sophistication needed to navigate a complex world with grace.

Graduates in the Class of 2026 came from across the African continent: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Their doctoral dissertations touched some of the Church’s most pressing questions: tithing behaviour and trust in Rwanda; digital maturity and organisational resilience among Adventist self-supporting ministries in Kenya; youth outreach strategies in South Sudan; faith-based fundraising in Botswana; women as mission mobilizers in Nigeria; and a systematic theology inquiry into divine love, human freedom, and the universal salvific will of God.

The 2026 class brings AUA’s cumulative total to 1,192 graduates — alumni now serving in churches, institutions, health systems, and communities across Africa and the world.

The post “For Africa, For the Church, and For Christ”: AUA Celebrates 15th Graduation appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> 26173 AUA Celebrates Historic First CPE Graduation: A Milestone in Spiritual and Professional Care https://www.aua.ac.ke/aua-celebrates-historic-first-cpe-graduation-a-milestone-in-spiritual-and-professional-care/ https://www.aua.ac.ke/aua-celebrates-historic-first-cpe-graduation-a-milestone-in-spiritual-and-professional-care/#respond Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:36:17 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=25844 The Adventist University of Africa celebrated its first residential Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) graduation, marking a milestone in professional spiritual care. Graduates are now equipped to serve in hospitals, correctional facilities, and community settings across Africa, advancing holistic health and ministry excellence.

The post AUA Celebrates Historic First CPE Graduation: A Milestone in Spiritual and Professional Care appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>

Nairobi, Kenya — March 27, 2026 — The Adventist University of Africa (AUA) marked a momentous occasion this past Friday as it celebrated the graduation of its first-ever residential Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) class. The event, held on the campus grounds, drew a diverse gathering of faculty, students, church leaders, and special guests, all celebrating a milestone that underscores AUA’s commitment to advancing holistic health and professional excellence in spiritual care across Africa.

Recognising a Historic Milestone in Pastoral Training

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ademola Tayo, delivered an inspiring address emphasising the significance of this historic achievement. He expressed gratitude to Cana Speciality Hospital, a vital partner in this initiative, highlighting their unwavering support and Christian partnership. “Their hospitality and commitment have allowed our students to engage in meaningful worship, patient visitation, and ministerial service—practical experiences that shape compassionate, competent chaplains,” Prof. Tayo noted.

He underscored the importance of CPE as a professional, postgraduate-level programme that enhances self-awareness, emotional resilience, and ministry skills—traits essential for effective pastoral care beyond the pulpit. “This is a transformative journey into understanding human pain, hope, and resilience—equipping our graduates to serve in hospitals, correctional facilities, educational institutions, and more,” he added.

Empowering Future Leaders in Spiritual and Health Care

The graduates, twelve in total—comprising three women and nine men from South Sudan, Kenya, Madagascar, and Tanzania—were recognised for their resilience and dedication. Their journey exemplifies AUA’s mission to develop professionals who serve with faith, humility, and compassion. Dr. Juma Mahlon, Coordinator of the CPE programme and also Programme Coordinator for the Master of Arts in Chaplaincy, praised the students’ commitment and highlighted the experiential learning that has prepared them for impactful service.

Prof. Tayo’s speech also shed light on the broader landscape of pastoral training in Africa. He cited recent data revealing that only a fraction of pastors across the continent have engaged in CPE, emphasising the urgent need for expanded training opportunities. “In a rapidly changing world, the demand for professionally trained chaplains is greater than ever,” he said, referencing the rising importance of spiritual care in health, correctional, and educational sectors, as well as the growing population of non-religious individuals requiring nuanced ministry.

A Bold Vision for the Future of Chaplaincy in Africa
Looking ahead, the Vice Chancellor announced plans for AUA to establish a dedicated CPE centre—becoming a hub for training and certifying chaplains across Africa. “Our strategic vision aligns with our mission of transforming lives and serving society holistically,” he affirmed. The University aims to develop curricula that are biblically sound, culturally relevant, and professionally rigorous, while fostering partnerships to expand practical placements and research in pastoral health.

In closing, Prof. Tayo expressed gratitude to all who contributed to this milestone, acknowledged the work that remains, and called the University community to seize this “kairos”—an opportune moment—to build a future where professional chaplaincy is recognised as a vital component of health and social systems across Africa. “Together, with faith and purpose, we can bring hope, healing, and salvation to millions,” he concluded.

This historic graduation not only celebrates the dedication of AUA’s first class of resident chaplains but also signals a new chapter in the continent’s spiritual and health care landscape. As the University continues to grow its programmes and partnerships, it reaffirms its commitment to training compassionate, competent, and culturally sensitive professionals who serve with Christlike love and excellence.

The post AUA Celebrates Historic First CPE Graduation: A Milestone in Spiritual and Professional Care appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> https://www.aua.ac.ke/aua-celebrates-historic-first-cpe-graduation-a-milestone-in-spiritual-and-professional-care/feed/ 0 25844 Strengthening AUA’s Financial Sustainability and Academic Excellence https://www.aua.ac.ke/strengthening-auas-financial-sustainability-and-academic-excellence/ https://www.aua.ac.ke/strengthening-auas-financial-sustainability-and-academic-excellence/#respond Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:22:35 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=25874 Dr Sheron Ndhlovu, incoming DVC Finance, outlines her focus on strengthening AUA’s financial and operational systems, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting financial stewardship. Her aim is to support academic excellence, ensure programme accessibility, and build a sustainable, accountable university aligned with its mission and values.

The post Strengthening AUA’s Financial Sustainability and Academic Excellence appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>
As you settle into your role, what areas will you focus on in AUA’s financial and operational landscape?

As I settle into the role, my initial focus will be on understanding AUA’s financial position in depth, including revenue streams, expenditure patterns, cash flow sustainability, and compliance with denominational and regulatory requirements. I will also prioritise strengthening financial controls, transparency, and reporting systems to ensure timely and accurate decision-making.

Operationally, I will work closely with senior leadership to assess resource allocation efficiency, align budgets with strategic priorities, and ensure that financial processes support, not hinder, academic and administrative effectiveness. Equally important will be building strong relationships with stakeholders and fostering a culture of accountability and shared stewardship across the institution.

 
How do you see financial management supporting academic excellence and student success going forward?

Effective financial management is a strategic enabler of academic excellence. By ensuring that resources are deliberately aligned with AUA’s core academic mission, financial management can support learning resources, research initiatives, faculty development, and student support services.

Sound budgeting and planning will enable the University to invest in high-quality teaching, modern learning tools, and student-centred services, while minimising financial disruptions that could affect academic continuity. Ultimately, when finances are stable, the institution creates an environment where students can focus on learning and faculty on teaching and scholarship.

 
As you review existing systems, what opportunities might exist to enhance infrastructure and campus services?

In reviewing existing systems, opportunities may exist to modernise financial and operational processes, including greater use of integrated financial management systems and data-driven planning tools. These improvements can enhance efficiency, reduce manual processes, and strengthen accountability.

From an infrastructure and campus services perspective, I see potential in prioritising maintenance planning, phased capital investments, and cost-effective service delivery models. Strategic partnerships, preventative maintenance, and sustainability-focused investments can improve campus facilities while controlling long-term costs, ultimately enhancing the student and staff experience.

 
How can financial stewardship help maintain programme accessibility and affordability while ensuring sustainability?

Financial stewardship requires balancing mission-driven accessibility with long-term sustainability. This can be achieved through prudent cost management, diversified revenue streams, and transparent financial planning that anticipates future needs.

By carefully structuring tuition, scholarships, and financial aid, while actively pursuing grants, partnerships, and donor support, AUA can remain accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. At the same time, disciplined financial oversight ensures that programmes are financially viable, protecting the institution’s ability to serve current and future generations in alignment with its values.

 

Sheron Ndhlovu, PhD

The post Strengthening AUA’s Financial Sustainability and Academic Excellence appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> https://www.aua.ac.ke/strengthening-auas-financial-sustainability-and-academic-excellence/feed/ 0 25874 Embracing a New Era: Message from the Incoming DVC Academics https://www.aua.ac.ke/embracing-a-new-era-message-dvca/ https://www.aua.ac.ke/embracing-a-new-era-message-dvca/#respond Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:07:24 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=25867 The incoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor of AUA shares his vision for strengthening postgraduate programmes, research, digital learning, and quality assurance, with a focus on faith-integrated scholarship and leadership development. He emphasises collaboration, innovation, and mission-driven growth to impact Africa and the world.

The post Embracing a New Era: Message from the Incoming DVC Academics appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>
Gratitude and Reflection

Ever since I joined the Adventist University of Africa (AUA) on January 1, 2026, as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Administration (DVC AA), I have found each day a blessing to acquaint myself with this new academic terrain. I sincerely appreciate the foundation laid by our previous leaders, stakeholders, and both academic and non-academic staff. AUA has, over the years, established itself as one of the top postgraduate institutions that values faith-integrated scholarship, academic excellence, and service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the wider world. My ultimate desire is to build on these strengths while strengthening key areas to help us achieve our academic goals and increase our impact globally.

 
Priorities and Strategic Focus

One of my priorities is to enhance postgraduate academic systems, research culture, curriculum relevance, and digital integration in teaching and learning. Guided by AUA’s unique mandate as a continental postgraduate institution, our focus is on developing leaders for service to the world through research, scholarly productivity, and gospel ministry. This includes supporting academic and non-academic staff development, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and integrating technology and AI-enabled academic support systems to enrich the student learning experience.

 
Opportunities for Growth and Innovation

I see significant opportunities for strategic programme expansion and flexible delivery models as I learn more about the needs across universities. These may include developing market-responsive postgraduate programmes, blended and online learning pathways, executive and professional doctoral tracks, and interdisciplinary programmes that address emerging global and continental challenges. Our goal is to reach a wider constituency while maintaining academic rigour and aligning with our mission.

 
Commitment to Quality and Accreditation

May the Almighty God guide us in supporting AUA’s ongoing improvement in academic quality and accreditation standards through data-informed and mission-driven quality assurance frameworks. Building on my background in quality assurance and institutional accreditation, I am committed to working closely with the quality assurance office, as well as all academic and non-academic staff, to strengthen internal quality management systems, enhance programme review processes, and ensure compliance with regional and international accreditation benchmarks.

 
Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Faithfulness

As we embrace this leadership transition, I look forward to working collaboratively with the AUA community to uphold the standards of outstanding postgraduate education, rooted in a Biblical foundation and faithfulness to our mission.

It is my prayer that we all continue to advance AUA’s vision of nurturing transformative leaders equipped for service to God, the Church, and humanity. AMEN!

 

Moses Kibirango, PhD

The post Embracing a New Era: Message from the Incoming DVC Academics appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> https://www.aua.ac.ke/embracing-a-new-era-message-dvca/feed/ 0 25867 Leading with Faith: Vice Chancellor Ademola Tayo’s Vision for AUA’s Mission-Centered Growth and Impact https://www.aua.ac.ke/leading-with-faith-vice-chancellor-ademola-tayos-vision/ https://www.aua.ac.ke/leading-with-faith-vice-chancellor-ademola-tayos-vision/#respond Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:37:49 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=25860 Vice Chancellor Ademola Tayo shares his vision for AUA’s transformative role in African higher education, emphasizing innovative curricula, strategic partnerships, and mission-driven leadership to empower the church, foster research, and shape future Christian leaders across Africa and beyond.

The post Leading with Faith: Vice Chancellor Ademola Tayo’s Vision for AUA’s Mission-Centered Growth and Impact appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>
1. What inspired you to accept the call to serve as Vice-Chancellor of AUA at this time?

This is a defining moment for both the Adventist University of Africa and the Church on the continent. With nearly half of the world’s Seventh-day Adventist population residing in Africa, and with the continent’s youthful and dynamic demographic profile, AUA has a unique and urgent mandate to shape the future of mission, leadership, and Christian higher education. The convergence of Africa’s immense potential and its complex challenges calls for bold, Christ-centred leadership, and I felt compelled to respond to this moment with faith, conviction, and a commitment to service.


2. As you begin your tenure, what initial impressions or opportunities do you see for AUA’s growth and impact?

What stands out immediately is the extraordinary potential AUA possesses to become a globally recognised, locally responsive, and mission-centric postgraduate institution. There are significant opportunities to recalibrate curricula for 21st-century relevance, strengthen research productivity, address delays in thesis completion, expand blended and digital learning, and intentionally empower women in leadership and ministry. Through targeted innovation, strengthened systems, and renewed focus on our mission, AUA can serve as a transformative engine for the Church and society across Africa and beyond.


3. What possibilities do you see for expanding partnerships and collaborations to strengthen AUA’s academic mission?

Collaboration will be central to AUA’s next phase of growth. The University is well-positioned to become a hub for Adventist higher education in Africa by forging deeper partnerships with SDA universities and colleges through joint programmes, faculty and student exchanges, shared research initiatives, and library consortia. Strategic engagement with the General Conference, Divisions, Unions, NGOs, governments, and global academic institutions can further enhance research relevance, resource mobilisation, regulatory compliance, and international recognition—amplifying AUA’s academic and missional impact.


4. How do you envisage strengthening AUA’s contribution to the global Church mission?

At the heart of AUA’s mandate is service to the mission of the global Church. This contribution will be strengthened by aligning our academic programmes, research agenda, and institutional strategy with the World Church’s “I Will Go” initiative. By nurturing mission-oriented faculty, integrating digital evangelism, linking research outcomes to Church needs, and preparing leaders who are biblically grounded, ethically anchored, and socially engaged, AUA will function as a mission-focused postgraduate institution, equipping leaders for service in Africa and across the world.

5. What message would you like to share with students, faculty, alumni, and partners as you begin this leadership journey at AUA?

As I begin this leadership journey, my message is one of shared purpose, hope, and commitment. AUA is not merely a degree-awarding institution; it is a missionary outpost, a leadership incubator, and a beacon of truth and service. Together, through servant leadership, collaboration, prudent stewardship, and unwavering faithfulness to our Adventist heritage, we can build an institution that responds creatively and courageously to the demands of 21st-century Africa. Now is the time to build—for Africa, for the Church, and for Christ.


Ademola S. Tayo, PhD

The post Leading with Faith: Vice Chancellor Ademola Tayo’s Vision for AUA’s Mission-Centered Growth and Impact appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> https://www.aua.ac.ke/leading-with-faith-vice-chancellor-ademola-tayos-vision/feed/ 0 25860 GC Leadership Visit Inspires and Empowers the AUA Community https://www.aua.ac.ke/gc-leadership-visit-inspires-and-empowers-the-aua-community/ https://www.aua.ac.ke/gc-leadership-visit-inspires-and-empowers-the-aua-community/#respond Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:28:13 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=25771 The GC leadership visit to AUA inspired and empowered the university community, emphasizing growth, unity, and mission. Highlights included tree planting as a symbol of flourishing and a powerful reminder of the shared commitment to faith-driven leadership.

The post GC Leadership Visit Inspires and Empowers the AUA Community appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>

February 16, 2026, Nairobi, Kenya – The Adventist University of Africa (AUA) recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, including Elder Erton C. Köhler, President of the GC; Elder Richard E. McEdward, Secretary; Elder Paul H. Douglas, Treasurer; and Elder Magdiel P. Schulz, Assistant to the GC President. The visit served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, mission, and academic excellence rooted in faith.

Devotional Message: Proclaiming the Three Angels’ Messages

Led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Ademola Tayo, the delegation engaged with faculty, staff, and students, sharing words of encouragement and affirmation. The GC officers planted trees on campus as symbols of growth and fruitful service, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the University’s mission.

During a special program, Elder Köhler delivered a devotional emphasising the urgency of proclaiming the Three Angels’ Messages with a loud voice, calling the church to unite in mission. The officers expressed their pride in AUA’s role in preparing leaders for a church that is-growing rapidly across Africa and the globe.

 

Africa’s Strategic Role in Global Mission

The visit underscored the strategic importance of Africa in the world church’s mission, with Elder Köhler highlighting that the continent holds 43% of the global membership and is a hub for mission expansion. The officers expressed their confidence in AUA’s strategic role in preparing leaders for the rapidly growing church in Africa and across the world.

Prof. Tayo highlighted the University’s growth since its inception in 2003, noting the expansion of academic programs, infrastructural development, and its commitment to mission-driven education. He emphasised its role as a missionary outpost, leadership incubator, and a hub for theological and professional training aligned with the Church’s global initiatives.

The visit reinforced AUA’s dedication to fostering spiritually grounded, academically competent leaders ready to serve in Christ’s service.

Renewed Commitment to Mission

The GC leadership’s visit concluded with a renewed commitment to equipping leaders who will advance Christ’s mission. Their presence reaffirmed the Church’s dedication to nurturing a new generation of faithful, competent, and mission-focused leaders prepared to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

 

Photo credits to
1. Public Relations Office, Adventist University of Africa
2. Media Centre, East-Central Africa Division of SDA

The post GC Leadership Visit Inspires and Empowers the AUA Community appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> https://www.aua.ac.ke/gc-leadership-visit-inspires-and-empowers-the-aua-community/feed/ 0 25771 Adventist University of Africa Announces New Leadership for the 2026-2030 Quinquennial https://www.aua.ac.ke/adventist-university-of-africa-announces-new-leadership-for-the-2026-2030-quinquennial/ https://www.aua.ac.ke/adventist-university-of-africa-announces-new-leadership-for-the-2026-2030-quinquennial/#respond Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:59:53 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=25581 Adventist University of Africa has appointed Professor Ademola Stephen Tayo as Vice-Chancellor for 2026-2030, bringing extensive leadership experience from Nigeria. He will be joined by Associate Professor Moses Kibirango and Dr. Sheron Ndhlovu as Deputy Vice-Chancellor- Financial Administration. The appointments reinforce AUA’s commitment to faith-based leadership, academic excellence, and serving society through Christ-centered education.

The post Adventist University of Africa Announces New Leadership for the 2026-2030 Quinquennial appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>

Nairobi, Kenya — November 2025 — The Adventist University of Africa (AUA) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new leadership team poised to guide the institution into its next chapter of academic excellence, spiritual integrity, and mission-driven service. Following a rigorous international search and in accordance with its mission to develop Christ-centred leaders for Africa and the world, the University’s governing body has appointed a new leadership team to serve during the upcoming quinquennium, 2026–2030. This strategic transition underscores AUA’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment of scholarly rigor, faith-based service, and innovative impact.

 

The Incoming Vice-Chancellor: Professor Ademola Stephen Tayo

At the heart of this leadership transition is the appointment of Professor Ademola Stephen Tayo as Vice-Chancellor, effective January 1, 2026. Professor Tayo, a distinguished scholar and administrator, currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University in Nigeria. His academic journey, leadership experience, and unwavering commitment to Adventist education make him an ideal steward for AUA’s future.

The appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor was announced in a formal statement by the Chair of the AUA University Council, Pastor Robert Osei-Bonsu, PhD. In his message, he expressed his confidence in the incoming Vice-Chancellor, emphasising the importance of his role in advancing the University’s mission. He also took the opportunity to thank the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vincent R. Injety, for his dedicated service and leadership over the years.  

Academic Qualifications and Experience

Professor Tayo holds a PhD in Development Education (1999) from Central Luzon State University, Philippines, a Master of Arts in Religion (1993) from Central Luzon State University, Philippines, a Postgraduate Diploma in Religion (1987) from the Adventist Seminary of West Africa, Nigeria, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (1985) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

His broad academic background is complemented by extensive leadership roles at Babcock University, where he has served as Pioneer Director of Academic Planning, Head of the Department of Education and General Studies, Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Acting Rector of Adventist University Cosendai in Cameroon, and Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies. Since 2015, he has led Babcock University as Vice Chancellor, guiding its strategic vision and fostering a vibrant academic community rooted in faith and scholarship.

In a heartfelt message to the AUA fraternity, Professor Tayo expressed his vision for the University’s future:  

“At this dawn of a new beginning, I pledge to serve AUA with unwavering commitment to God’s Word and to foster a Christ-centred postgraduate community dedicated to mission-focused scholarship and global impact. Together, we will pursue an open, fair, efficient, and policy-guided administration that respects all and meets evolving needs.”  

 

The Deputy Vice-Chair: Professor Kibirango Moses Mpiima

Joining Professor Tayo is Associate Professor Kibirango Moses Mpiima, appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Administration. Professor Kibirango is a seasoned academic with over 27 years of experience in higher education, management, and research. Currently a faculty member at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, he specialises in management, entrepreneurship, and organisational dynamics.

Professor Kibirango earned his PhD from Makerere University, Uganda, and holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, India. His diverse educational background includes a Post-Graduate Diploma in Computer Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. His research focuses on education reform, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and ethical leadership, aligning strongly with AUA’s values of faith-integrated education.

Expressing his commitment to the University’s mission, Professor Kibirango stated:  

“I envision AUA as a model Adventist university where academic excellence, innovative research, digital transformation, and faith-based learning thrive together. Guided by the charge to ‘be strong and courageous,’ I commit to mission-driven, collaborative leadership that strengthens quality, nurtures spirituality, and advances AUA’s impact across Africa and beyond.”

Prof. Kibirango succeeds Prof. Risper Awuor. 

 

Financial Leadership: Dr. Sheron Ndhlovu

Completing the new leadership team is Dr. Sheron Ndhlovu, who has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Financial Administration. An accomplished scholar in business and accounting, Dr. Ndhlovu currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance) at Malawi Adventist University. Her expertise in financial planning, resource management, and institutional sustainability will be instrumental in supporting AUA’s strategic growth.

Dr. Ndhlovu earned her PhD in Business (specialising in Accounting) from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in 2025. She holds a Master of Commerce degree in Applied Accounting from Great Zimbabwe University and an MBA from Solusi University. Her extensive experience in higher education governance, financial oversight, and policy implementation has been pivotal in strengthening her current institution’s financial health and accountability.

In her words, Dr. Ndhlovu expressed her enthusiasm for joining AUA:  

“I am deeply honoured to serve as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Financial Administration. I look forward to working collaboratively to strengthen our financial stewardship, support academic excellence, and uphold the university’s mission with integrity and transparency.”

Dr. Ndhlovu replaces Elder Makhosiwonke Moyo. 

 

The Path Forward: Faith, Excellence, and Service

The appointment of these distinguished leaders reflects AUA’s commitment to nurturing a Christ-centred academic community that exemplifies excellence, integrity, and compassion. Their collective experience spans continents, disciplines, and leadership roles, embodying the University’s mission to develop leaders who serve with humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

As AUA embarks on this new chapter, its leadership is committed to advancing the University’s vision of becoming a beacon of faith-driven scholarship and societal transformation. Rooted in Seventh-day Adventist principles, the University’s leadership team will continue to foster an environment where faith and learning intertwine to produce graduates equipped to serve with integrity and compassion.

 

A Call for Prayer and Support

The University invites the global Adventist community—church members, educators, students, and partners—to pray for the new leadership team. Their collective goal is to inspire a new era of excellence that reflects Christ’s love and truth, inspiring generations of leaders who will serve with humility, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the mission of the church.

About the Adventist University of Africa 

Founded on the principles of faith, scholarship, and service, the Adventist University of Africa strives to equip students with knowledge, character, and leadership skills rooted in biblical truth. As a premier institution of higher learning in Africa, AUA continues to be a catalyst for societal change—developing leaders who serve with integrity and compassion in diverse professional and community contexts.

For further information and updates about AUA and upcoming initiatives, please visit https://www.aua.ac.ke or contact the university’s Public Relations office at pr@aua.ac.ke

May the Lord continue to bless the Adventist University of Africa as it advances His kingdom through education, faith, and service.

 

The post Adventist University of Africa Announces New Leadership for the 2026-2030 Quinquennial appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> https://www.aua.ac.ke/adventist-university-of-africa-announces-new-leadership-for-the-2026-2030-quinquennial/feed/ 0 25581 The Launch of Scholarly Work on Ellen G. White’s Legacy in Africa https://www.aua.ac.ke/the-launch-of-scholarly-work-on-ellen-g-whites-legacy-in-africa/ https://www.aua.ac.ke/the-launch-of-scholarly-work-on-ellen-g-whites-legacy-in-africa/#respond Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:45:34 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=25284 The Adventist University of Africa celebrated the launch of Dr. Gabriel Masfa’s new book, "The Legacy of Ellen G. White in Africa." Attendees praised her influence on theology, health, and social justice. The event highlighted her lasting impact on African Adventism and encouraged ongoing research, inspiring deeper engagement with her legacy across the continent.

The post The Launch of Scholarly Work on Ellen G. White’s Legacy in Africa appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>

Nairobi, September 9, 2025 — The Adventist University of Africa (AUA) recently hosted a momentous event celebrating the launch of Dr. Gabriel Masfa’s latest book, The Legacy of Ellen G. White in Africa: Contributions and Influence. The event drew scholars, church leaders, students, and community members, all eager to engage with a work that offers fresh insights into the enduring impact of Ellen G. White’s teachings on African Adventism.

The occasion was marked by inspiring speeches, panel discussions, and a heartfelt dedication of the book, signifying a milestone in Adventist scholarship. The event underscored White’s significant influence in shaping doctrinal, cultural, and social facets of the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the continent, despite her never having visited Africa.

Highlighting Ellen White’s Impact on Africa

The keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Sokupa, Associate Director of the Ellen G. White Estate, General Conference, emphasised White’s theological, doctrinal, organisational and institutional contributions to the Church. Other speakers spoke particularly of her advocacy for racial equality, dignity, and mission-driven principles that resonate deeply within African communities. Dr. Masfa’s book explores her writings’ relevance to contemporary African society, addressing issues such as health, country living, and end-time prophecy, providing a balanced interpretation that counters misrepresentations and fringe theories.

A Scholarly Journey

Dr. Masfa, introduced as a distinguished scholar transitioning from a legal background to theology, has made significant contributions to Adventist historical and theological studies. His prolific writing and academic influence underscore the importance of contextualising Ellen White’s teachings within Africa’s unique cultural and social landscapes.

Panel Discussions and Thematic Insights

A lively panel discussion delved into themes from the book, including Ellen White’s dietary guidance, her counsel on country living and dressing, and her eschatological perspectives. Experts highlighted how White’s counsel can be applied in modern African contexts to promote health, ethical living, and spiritual preparedness.

Call for Continued Scholarship and Engagement

Throughout the event, speakers urged the church community to deepen engagement with Ellen White’s writings, advocating for broader dissemination, translation into various African languages, and further research. They emphasised the importance of contextual understanding to prevent misinterpretations and foster a more accurate appreciation of her contributions.

Looking Forward

The launch concluded with an inspiring reflection on the importance of integrating White’s teachings into both academic pursuits and everyday faith practices. Participants expressed pride in the scholarly achievement, viewing it as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue, research, and spiritual growth within African Adventism.

Masfa’s book will be available for wider circulation in libraries, classrooms, and church study groups, promising to influence future generations’ understanding of Ellen G. White’s legacy in Africa.

The post The Launch of Scholarly Work on Ellen G. White’s Legacy in Africa appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> https://www.aua.ac.ke/the-launch-of-scholarly-work-on-ellen-g-whites-legacy-in-africa/feed/ 0 25284 Celebrating Excellence: AUA’s 14th Graduation Ceremony Concludes with Joy and Inspiration https://www.aua.ac.ke/auas-14th-graduation-ceremony/ https://www.aua.ac.ke/auas-14th-graduation-ceremony/#respond Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:43:01 +0000 https://www.aua.ac.ke/?p=25114 The 14th Graduation Ceremony at Adventist University of Africa celebrated over 120 graduates, inspiring them with powerful messages on faith, service, and leadership from Drs. Munyumbwe, Kibuuka, and Omeler. The event highlighted academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a call to serve with humility and divine purpose across Africa and beyond.

The post Celebrating Excellence: AUA’s 14th Graduation Ceremony Concludes with Joy and Inspiration appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]>

Nairobi, Kenya — Adventist University of Africa (AUA) joyously celebrated its 14th Graduation Ceremony from June 6 to June 8, 2025, marking a momentous milestone in its mission to nurture competent and spiritually grounded leaders across Africa and beyond. The event was a vibrant showcase of academic achievement, spiritual growth, and unwavering commitment to service, drawing together graduates, faculty, church leaders, families, and friends in a truly celebratory atmosphere.

This year’s ceremony was distinguished by inspiring addresses from eminent guest speakers — Dr. Vanny Munyumbwe, Dr. Hudson Kibuuka, and Dr. Pierre Omeler — each offering powerful messages centered on service, faith, and leadership rooted in biblical principles.

A Consecration of Purpose: Dr. Vanny Munyumbwe’s Address

During the consecration service, Dr. Munyumbwe emphasized the importance of education that serves humanity. Reflecting on Acts 7:22, he highlighted that Moses, though highly educated, remained connected to his roots and was used by God to correct injustice. “An education that does not help you serve the common man is not true education,” he stated. He urged graduates to remain humble and receptive to God’s calling, cautioning that excessive education can sometimes hinder divine use if not paired with humility and spiritual sensitivity. “We are sending you out as an axe in the hand of God,” he proclaimed, reminding graduates that spiritual abilities are bestowed by God’s Spirit, not by human might.

Faith and Character: Dr. Kibuuka’s Baccalaureate Message

In his inspiring address, Dr. Hudson Kibuuka focused on faith that rests solely on God’s wisdom rather than human understanding. Drawing from the story of Ruth and the blessings of the Kinsman Redeemer, he exhorted graduates to embody characteristics of those empowered by divine grace—love for Christ, abhorrence of evil, prayerfulness, and integrity. He emphasized that true empowerment comes through active faith and producing the fruit of the Spirit, urging graduates to live lives of total commitment and trust in God’s guidance. “Blessed and powerful are you who glean in the field of the Kinsman Redeemer,” he affirmed.

A Call to Service: Dr. Omeler’s Commencement Address

Closing the ceremonies, Dr. Pierre Omeler challenged graduates to trust in the mission of the church, in their dreams, and most importantly, in God’s perfect plan. He encouraged them to become innovative leaders motivated by service rather than personal gain. “Greatness is not measured by what you gain but by what you give,” he emphasized. His words resonated deeply as he urged graduates to go forth with Christ, leading with wisdom, humility, and a servant’s heart.

A Proud Moment for a Growing Institution

This year’s graduation saw an impressive total of 123 graduates, including 104 master’s and 19 doctoral degrees, representing diverse nationalities across Africa and beyond. The graduates come from various divisions such as ECD, SID, and WAD, and have earned degrees spanning leadership, theology, public health, computer science, and more. The class of 2025 joins a proud lineage of over 1,000 graduates who are actively shaping the church, society, and the world.

A Future Bright with Hope and Purpose

As the graduates received their diplomas, they were not only celebrated for their academic excellence but also commissioned as ambassadors of faith and service. The ceremony reaffirmed AUA’s mission of developing leaders who will serve with integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to Christ’s mission.

Closing Remarks

The 14th graduation of AUA was a testament to the university’s dedication to excellence in education and spiritual development. It was an inspiring reminder that true leadership stems from a heart committed to service, guided by divine wisdom, and rooted in biblical truth.

Congratulations to all graduates of 2025 — may you go forth to serve, to lead, and to make a lasting impact for the glory of God!

The post Celebrating Excellence: AUA’s 14th Graduation Ceremony Concludes with Joy and Inspiration appeared first on Adventist University of Africa | A Seventh-day Adventist Institution for higher learning in Africa..

]]> https://www.aua.ac.ke/auas-14th-graduation-ceremony/feed/ 0 25114