Kisii University’s Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nathan Ogechi, has called for a radical shift in how higher education institutions approach global challenges, urging universities to move beyond traditional approaches and embrace a borderless model of learning and research.
Speaking at the university’s 3rd International Multidisciplinary Conference, Prof. Ogechi emphasized that solving the world’s most pressing problems requires a collaborative approach that spans discipline from sociology and business to health and education.
“Inclusivity and being borderless in getting solutions to global problems is the focus of health,” he stated, adding, “It doesn’t mean we are just talking about medicine. It means we are dealing with all disciplines that will contribute to the health of the globe.
A major highlight of the Chancellor’s address was the role of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of students.
Moving away from the traditional model of knowledge, Prof. Ogechi stressed the importance of Competence Based Education (CBE).
“We are talking about a situation where we are not just teaching people to gain knowledge for knowledge’s sake, but for purposes of getting competence, for purposes of performing when they get out, and for purposes of being adaptable to whatever developments are coming,” he explained.
The Chancellor urged students and faculty to view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for collaboration rather than a shortcut. He noted that the goal is not to simply access information online, but to use it responsibly.
“We are telling students not just to be exposed to it and use it, but we are saying, yes, you can access it, but the issue is how can you use it in an applicable manner?” Ogechi posed.
“We want to use it in a transformative manner to ensure that there is change and good change for mankind,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the pace of research in universities, Prof. Ogechi was candid about the challenges. While pointing out the need for better equipment and lab facilities, especially in the natural sciences, he argued that the real breakthrough lies in collaborative thinking.
“If universities are talking about problems with research, it means we are remaining selfish,” he remarked, adding, “If we work collaboratively and in a partnering manner, it is possible to get our partners within the country, across universities, and even outside.”
He highlighted the importance of investing in human capital, noting that manpower first, then the equipment, and then the culture are the pillars of impactful research.
The Chancellor also pointed to the government’s move to create a dedicated State Department for Research as a positive step towards better institutional partnerships.
The conference, which brings together scholars from across Africa and beyond, continues this week, serving as a solid platform for Kisii University to solidify its stance as a leader in global health research and technological innovation.
By Malachi Omwenga/ Sandra Orina
