2023 Wrap Up

A New Academic Year Begins

The academic year 2023/2024 started in September with a total of 231 admissions, and 172 reported so far. There are currently 1369 students registered for various programmes from diploma to postgraduate studies. The school of NEGST received the highest number of new students (103). The new students consist of students drawn from 20 nationalities across the globe. We thank God for the impact the school continues to have internationally.

Important to note is that the government has changed its policy for sponsoring students through private universities thus the numbers received from government have drastically reduced. The university is putting new strategies in place to attract more students in it various programs.

Learning continues to take place through online platforms (Microsoft Teams and ODeL Moodle platform) and physical classes. Expansion of the tech space for the University is therefore a priority area that the administration continues to focus on, as this will enable us to reach more students across the African continent and beyond.

AIU/NEGST is turning 40! Please join us to praise the Lord for his faithfulness. We are set to have various activities from the months of October and culminate our celebration in the first quarter of 2024. It is a great time for us to celebrate the goodness of God for the work he has done in the African church and abroad through the NEGST, now AIU. We will keep you posted on the various celebratory activities we shall undertake to honor AIU/NEGST at 40.

At the handover: Left to Right: Prof. Dankit Nassiuma, Dr. Nelson Kuria, the Chair of the University council and Prof. Joseph Kiplang’at: the new acting Vice Chancellor.

Vice Chancellor Transition

On 31st August 2023, the end of tour of Duty for Prof. Dankit Nassiuma as Vice Chancellor of AIU came to a successful end. We thank God for the ten years of service that the Former Vice Chancellor gave to the Kingdom through the work he has selflessly done here. Prof will be remembered for his efforts in putting policies in place that were important in the transition process for NEGST into a fully-fledged Christian University that now offers more than 35 programmes from diploma level to Doctoral levels. His tenure was marred by many challenges in the University including Covid 19, but thankfully, Prof. Nassiuma with the help of our various stakeholders was able to navigate the Institution successfully through this difficult period.

Prof. Dankit Nassiuma receiving the certificate from the AFCAA team (from left.Dr. Lucy Mugeni, Rev. Kwame Rubadiri,Prof. Dankit Nassiuma and Mr. Michael Wamae).

One of his achievements is in the area of Accountability and integrity, which are very important for AIU. This year we were the first Institution of Higher learning to be accredited by AFCAA ( the African arm of Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability-ECFA), after a successful financial and administrative audit that gave the university a clean bill of health. It is with great honor and humility that we celebrate this important milestone. We give God all the glory.

The chair of the AIU Trustee Board, Pastor. Dr. Obasi-ike presenting the University logo to the New Chancellor Rev. Dr. Master Oboletswe Matlhaope, during his installation ceremony.

AIU has a New Chancellor

The General Secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, Rev. Dr. Master Matlhaope, was installed as the new chancellor during the 38th graduation ceremony on 7th July, 2023. In his acceptance remarks, the Chancellor underscored the critical role of education in shaping the life of an individual, noting that AIU as an institution of higher learning has a unique role in inculcating the mind of Christ in our students even as it sharpens their skills for the marketplace. He looks forward to taking part in producing Christ-Centred leaders for the transformation of God’s people and the world through various programs. He also thanked the outgoing Chancellor Prof. Watson Omulokoli for his noble service to the University for two terms.

Professor’s Corner

We wish to welcome the new couple to the town, Rev. & Mrs. Dunker. AIU is always excited to receive co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard. It is such an honor to have them serve with us and teach our students. Their contribution to our Institution is invaluable, and we wish to thank them for choosing AIU! Here is a brief word from them.

Our ministry in Africa began in 2011 when we moved to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to start a Bible School. God gave us the privilege of helping pastors and church leaders from across Tanzania (and several other countries) receive a Certificate or Diploma in Pastoral Ministry. After several wonderful years in Tanzania, we began looking at other opportunities.

Our church in Indiana, Faith Church, has had a long relationship with NEGST. Dr. Chester and Dolores Wood, who served at NEGST for many years, are members of Faith Church and spoke lovingly about this institution. In 2019, we began conversations with the university about moving to Nairobi, but the pandemic slowed our timeline.

We taught online at NEGST from the US for the past two years. At the end of August, we moved to Nairobi and are thrilled to be able to spend time with our students, most of whom we had only met online. Mark teaches Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies courses in the BTh and DTh programs. Alyssa has taught Pastoral Counseling and is looking forward to adding additional units.

One of the most significant differences for us here at AIU compared to our ministry in Tanzania is that we enjoy being part of a larger academic community. We look forward to serving here and getting to know the many people that make AIU/NEGST the fantastic institution that it is.