This archive report was first published on 29 June 2021.
June 29, 2021, marked a significant day for Kisii University as Vice Chancellor Professor John Akama launched his book, 'Undeterred: A Rural Boy's Journey to the Pinnacle of Academia.'
During the launch, Professor Akama emphasized the importance of universities investing in research, innovation, and publications. He noted that many individuals with doctorate degrees and professor titles have not done sufficient work in research and innovation or published their work.
Professor Akama cited an example from the University of Toronto, where lecturers are researchers and innovators. As a result, the university receives approximately $50 million in grants for research purposes, contributing nearly 20% to Canada's Gross Domestic Product through new products and scientific knowledge creation.
The Vice Chancellor urged policymakers to give more emphasis on university education, citing the success of developed countries in fields like agriculture, industry, and medicine. He also highlighted the role of university research in developing life-saving products, such as the Covid-19 vaccines.
Professor Akama called on universities to seek more public-private partnerships from government and private institutions to secure resources for their academic and innovation agenda. He also decried the rise of social media engagements at the expense of reading books and urged Kenyans, especially lecturers, to interrogate academic work.
Professor Akama's book narrates his personal story of overcoming odds and succeeding in academia and university leadership. Born in a rural African setting in Kenya's hinterland, he grew up in a peasant family with limited resources and frills.
