UoN hosted Inaugural ACU congress 2025
The University of Nairobi made history as the institution that hosted the first physical Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Congress 2025 after over two decades. The Congress was held on 27th and 28th November, 2025 at the main campus. After a year of planning, the congress realized a meeting of over 100 academic leaders from all over the world gathered under the theme, ‘Connected and resilient: Commonwealth universities charting global change’
The congress 2025 saw a meeting for the ACU council that comprised of Vice Chancellors, a welcoming reception, keynote presentations, break-out rooms and a gala dinner.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, UoN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, expressed delight at being the host of the inaugural ACU 2025 congress. She underscored the critical time that aligns with kenya’s development efforts;
‘This Congress takes place at a time when Kenya is implementing ambitious national priorities anchored in, Digital transformation and a knowledge-driven economy, Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, STEM advancement and innovation-led growth, Climate resilience and sustainable development, Expansion of higher education access to drive social and economic mobility. These priorities clearly signal Kenya’s belief that a nation’s competitiveness rests on its ability to generate knowledge, build skills, and innovate continuously. The University of Nairobi stands as a central pillar in the development of higher education in Kenya and the wider East African region. For over 50 years, UoN has shaped national talent, influenced public policy, and contributed to regional transformation.’
The Vice Chancellor then mentioned the Human resource contribution in the different sectors of the economy that the University has made over the years.
Professor Cheryl la de Rey, Vice Chancellor Canterbury University, and chair of the ACU Council from New Zealand summarized the discussions of the congress in three R’s; Resilient, responsible and relevant. She elaborated, There are challenges that universities are facing, but institutions of higher learning have so far showcased resilience. She urged universities to keep reinventing, renewing and be responsible in societies. It’s about time that universities re-invent with purpose.
‘We have a responsibility to future generations. We bring optimisim and hope. Education is a future-focussed purpose and it’s all about generations to come.
Relevance in her remarks was a guiding principle particularly in how we embrace and shape the future and how accountable we will be in the future generations for our present decisions. The aspect of relevance also abides in Artificial intelligence reminding ourselves AI is not merely a tool; it is a transformative force that requires wisdom, ethical use, and commitment to equity. Universities have always been resilient institutions, but today we must also be adaptive ready to re-invent our purpose with time and reaffirm our role as responsible actors in society
This event explored the multifaceted role of higher education institutions in the Commonwealth working together to build resilience to withstand shocks and contribute to renewal, development and global innovation within nations and across the Commonwealth.
The University of Nairobi has been a valued member of the ACU network since 1962, celebrating over 60 years of membership.
