UoN profs form lobby to champion for academic excellence

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has announced the establishment of their association to foster excellence in research, mentorship and governance in academia.

The University of Nairobi Professors' Association is open to all professors, associate professors, professor emeritus and honorary members (retired professors).

Chairman Peter Wasamba said the union has started operating formally and the main launch will be in July.

“We are the custodians of quality and tradition in universities and the UoNi must set the pace,” he said.

Organising secretary Winnie Mitullah said UoNPA would ensure a broad representation of academic expertise and leadership. 

 “UoNPA will also work closely with various stakeholders to promote and uphold good practices within institutions of higher learning. The association will ensure UoN remains a leader in academic integrity and administrative excellence," she said.

Promoting quality research and mentorship by supporting the development of ground breaking studies are some of the key issues the association will champion.

Others are academic growth of students and early career academics.

“By leveraging collective resources and expertise, the association will complement the university’s resource mobilisation by securing necessary funds to support academic and infrastructure development,” Mitullah said.

The association also seeks to foster next generation of academic leaders and innovators.

She said UoNPA is committed to remaining politically neutral in its quest to advance academic and research excellence.

“To enhance political neutrality, UoNPA will get into this political issue as people with knowledge of input and not as politicians taking sides,” Mitullah said.

Treasurer Tabitha Kiriti said mentorship is a continuous process of holding others’ hands as they walked along and learning how to maneuver the academic maze.