CUEA Chancellor Urges Graduands to Embrace Ethical Leadership and Service
By Stephen Mbobu
The Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), His Excellency Most Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga, has urged graduands to uphold ethical leadership, solidarity and service as they prepare to contribute to the Church and society.
Speaking during the University’s 45th Graduation Ceremony at the Lang’ata Campus on Friday, October 23, 2026, Archbishop Nyaisonga challenged graduates to put into practice the values and principles instilled in them through CUEA’s education and formation.
“You are not just a degree, diploma or certificate holder; you have also been formed to be an ethical leader,” he told the graduands, urging them to lead their respective sectors as servants guided by Catholic ethos.
Archbishop Nyaisonga, who was participating in his first graduation ceremony as Chancellor, said CUEA’s mission is to form ethical and transformative leaders capable of responding to the needs of the Church and society.
He emphasised that the University’s commitment to education, research and formation is anchored in truth, which enables individuals to discern right from wrong and act responsibly.
“Being consecrated in the truth means letting God’s word shape, challenge and cleanse one’s life,” he said, noting that failure to see, judge or act appropriately often results in suffering, misery and despair.
Education as a Mission
The Chancellor linked the graduation theme, Transforming Societies through Ethical Leadership, Transformative Education, Research and Innovation, to the need for universities to prepare young people to become responsible leaders and active partners in societal transformation.
He cited Pope Leo XIV’s message to the Second African Conference on Education, held at CUEA in December 2025, which highlighted solidarity and a spirit of sacrifice as essential qualities for responsible leadership.
According to Archbishop Nyaisonga, these values are deeply rooted in African traditions and reflect the Church’s mission of forming individuals committed to the common good.
He observed that education extends beyond professional employment, describing it as an evangelising mission that should shape individuals who serve others and contribute to the wellbeing of society.
The Chancellor also recalled the challenge issued by Pope Paul VI, now a saint, to African bishops in 1969 to build a Church characterised by self-ministering, self-propagation and self-sustainability.
Young People as Partners in Mission
Archbishop Nyaisonga connected CUEA’s graduation celebrations to the 21st Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Plenary, held at the University from 19 to 26 October 2026.
The Plenary, hosted by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, was held under the theme AMECEA’s Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice and Good Governance.
He said the bishops of AMECEA were committed to embracing young people as partners in the mission of the Church, noting that the majority of those graduating were young people whose knowledge and skills would contribute to the development of their communities.
The Chancellor also expressed gratitude to the AMECEA bishops for electing him to lead the association and serve as CUEA Chancellor during the 21st Plenary Assembly in July 2026.
He paid tribute to his predecessor, Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, for eight years of dedicated service as AMECEA Chair and CUEA Chancellor. He also commended Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua, the immediate former Rector and Vice-Chancellor, for steering the University through a challenging period towards sustainability.
Archbishop Nyaisonga noted that, although he was familiar with CUEA from his four years as Secretary to the University’s Board of Trustees, he would rely on prayers and the support of the University community as he undertook his new responsibilities.
He also welcomed Dr. Lisa Lori of Marywood University, acknowledging the partnership between the two institutions.