Person To Celebrate: Prof. Paul Ogula
By ZIKOMO CUEA
Prof. Paul Ogula is a distinguished Kenyan educationist, researcher, and academic administrator best known for his long service at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), where he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) from 2003 to 2009 and helped shape its growth into one of Kenya’s leading private universities.
Prof. Ogula is credited with strengthening CUEA’s academic governance, expanding its programme portfolio (especially in education and research), and fostering a supportive environment for staff development through scholarships, research grants, and housing initiatives.
Career at CUEA and Regional Impact
- After retiring from public service in 1996, he joined CUEA in 1997 as Head of the Department of Postgraduate Studies in Education, later becoming Head of the Department of Education, Coordinator of the School-focused Programme, Director of Research, and ultimately Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) from 2003 to 2009.
- As DVC Academics, he played a key role in expanding CUEA from two to five faculties, including the establishment of the Faculties of Education, Science, Commerce, and Law, and in developing and securing approval for PhD programmes across these faculties.
- He negotiated significant external funding, including a six-year grant from Porticus (Netherlands) to support staff scholarships, conference participation, and textbook writing—contributing to CUEA theology staff becoming among the most published in Africa.
- He chaired the committee that secured funding from the Italian Conference of Bishops for CUEA’s Learning Resource Centre and oversaw the establishment of CUEA Gaba - Eldoret and Kisumu campuses, as well as constituent colleges such as Uzima College and Marist International College.
- After his tenure at CUEA, he served as Professor of Education and Senior Academic Advisor at Mwenge Catholic University in Tanzania (2010–2015), before returning to CUEA Gaba Campus until his final retirement in 2021 at the age of 80.
Academic Background and Early Career
- He holds a PhD from Kenyatta University, an MA from Makerere University, an MEd in Research and Evaluation from the University of Ibadan (Nigeria), and a BA (Education option) from the University of Nairobi.
- He also undertook advanced intensive courses at the University of Manchester (UK) and Indiana University (USA).
- His early career included roles as Headmaster of Budalang’i Secondary School, lecturer at Machakos Teachers College, and senior positions at the Kenya Institute of Education (now Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development), where he served as Senior Curriculum Specialist, Principal Research Officer, and Coordinator of Research and Evaluation.
- He also worked with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA).
Publications
1. Paul A. Ogula. A guide to Research Proposal and report writing, 2010, CUEA Press
2. Paul A. Ogula. A Handbook of Social Studies for Teachers and Students, 2009, CUEA Press
3. Samuel A. Nyanchoga, Francis M. Muchoki and Paul O. Ogula. Governance in Africa: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives, 2010, CUEA Press.
4. Paul A. Ogula and Jane K. Onsongo, Handbook on Teaching and learning in Higher Education, 2009, CUEA Press
5. Paul A. Ogula, Francis M. Muchoki, Magdalene Dimba and Catherine Machyo. Practical Guide to Teaching Practice for Students and Lecturers. Pub. 2000, 2nd Ed. 2006, 2nd Reprint, 2011.