_______________

GULU - Gulu University vice-chancellor (VC) Prof. George Openjuru Ladaah on Sunday 17, 2024, evening received a heroic welcome from the university fraternity after scooping the African Educationist of 2023 award.

Openjuru, who is also the chairperson of the Vice-Chancellors’ Forum and the chairperson of the Board of National Curriculum Development Centre, received the award from the African Leadership Magazine in partnership with the Ethiopian Customs Commission on Friday, March 15, 2024, during a ceremony held at Skylight Hotel in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa.

According to a post by the African Leadership Magazine on LinkedIn sent out last month, Openyjuru was recognised for his outstanding contributions to education and exemplary leadership at Gulu University. 

"Your dedication to academic excellence and fostering learning is truly commendable, setting a standard for educators across the continent," the post reads in part.

He garnered 81.57 per cent votes in a 2-step selection process including a call for nominations and an online voting that closed at midnight on December 14, 2023.

His first runner–up is Prof. Kwamena Kwansah–Aidoo, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communications, Ghana.

Openjuru was received by a cheerful crowd from Corner Layibi in Gulu city and he was led in possession from there to the University's main campus and finally to the faculty of agriculture and environment where the welcoming ceremony was held.

Prof. Openyjuru with a cheerful crowd match around the main campus. (All Photos by Jesse Johnson James)

Gulu University Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Environment Dr Collins Okello, who represented the deputy vice-chancellor in charge of academic affairs, revealed that Openjuru is celebrated for several reforms he introduced in the university as well as his other contributions to Uganda’s education.

They, according to Okello, include the introduction of the Amnesty Policy that allows students who had overstayed their studies to have a chance to complete their studies, and the introduction of Affirmative Action Police that is making it possible for the science, technology, and engineering mathematics (STEM) disciplines to have an enrolment of at least 50 per cent female students, among others.

He also disclosed that Prof. Openjuru steered the development of the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS) that has helped to improve results and academics in all public universities in the country.

“As a result, Gulu University graduates are now able to receive their transcripts by the date for graduation starting with the 19th graduation held on February 9, 2024,” he said.

Meanwhile, deputy university secretary Christopher Obalim described the award as a permanent mark in the history of the university and that they will do everything to support Openjuru and his administration to excel nationally and internationally.

Obalim also asked Openjuru to introduce an award in the university where bright but financially challenged learners are awarded and sponsored for advanced studies.  
Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga hailed Openjuru and asked him to make the award meaningful by introducing new programmes including engineering and those related to artificial intelligence.

Openjuru who could not hide his joy, said the university will introduce awards where the university staff members are recognised under various categories including best publishers, teachers, administrators, and managers of the year.

Openjuru has a bachelor's of arts with education from Makerere University, a master's of history education from Makerere, a master's of education in adult education from the University of Natal, and PhD in adult education from the University of Kwazulu–Natal.

He became the Vice-Chancellor of Gulu University in 2018, succeeding Prof. Jack Nyeko Penmogi.