Africa-Press – Rwanda. Monica Geingos, a former First Lady of Namibia and widow of late President Hage Geingob, was inaugurated as the Founding Chancellor of Kepler College in a ceremony held in Kigali on Wednesday, April 2.
In her speech, Geingos, who was appointedChancellor of the Kepler College in August 2024, urged the students embrace leadership roles in their activities to deliver on development needed on the African continent.
“We must do what is right for our continent. This is the power of narrative; you become the story you tell yourself. That’s why it’s crucial to sidestep the traps of doubt,” she said.
She emphasized that Africa needs institutions that equip students with multidimensional thinking to transform and not just to pass on knowledge.
“As we are here to forge architects of Africa’s solutions, every Kepler student is trained to ask: ‘If not me, then who?’ Who will fix this continent if not you? Who will lead if not you?’ It’s no longer about GDP rankings—it’s about power, and how you wield it,” she noted.
“Kepler isn’t just a college—it’s a training ground for ethicists and transformative leaders. The girl from the refugee camp and the girl from the city have the same mission. While the dream is Pan-African, the plan is local.”
Geingos however reminded the students that humility would be crucial in everything they do.
“Avoid the trap of overconfidence; there’s strength in humility, but never lose your confidence,” she said.
“Society often shrinks us. Manage ego, reject arrogance, but protect self-belief.”
The Minister of State for Education, Claudette Irere, said that under the leadership of the former Namibian First Lady’s experience, passion for education and advocacy for youth empowerment, Kepler would be propelled to new heights.
“We are confident that under her leadership, Kepler College will continue nurturing graduates who not only achieve academic excellence but also contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation,” she said.
In his closing remarks, Amb. Charles Murigande, the chairperson of Kepler College’s governing council, shared his vision for the institution.
“Looking ahead, we’re committed to making quality education accessible through constant innovation and adaptability, and we know this goal is within reach,” said Murigande, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.
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