At our recent governing council meeting we honored our outgoing Chairperson, Dr. Gideon Muriuki for his 8 years of service on the AIU Governing Council. Gideon has given generously of his time and money to help AIU reach the financial stability it enjoys today. Gideon is the managing director of the Co-operative Bank of Kenya and for the second year in a row has been awarded 'Bank of the Year" in the Global Bank Awards 2011 by the Financial Times of London. Also, this year, Co-op Bank was recognized with 'Best Company in Corporate Governance Award' at the annual Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards.
It has been a real privilege for me to work alongside and learn from such a man of integrity. As the Chairperson for the Governing Council, Gideon formally welcomed the dignitaries, alumni, faculty, students and guests to the graduation ceremony. I have included his message to the crowd of about 1200 who were present to participate in this annual celebration and rite of passage.
I am very thankful to God as I write this piece. God is good. The Bible says in Psalms 73, verse 1: "Surely, God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart." As I look back over the past few years, I can honestly say, "God has been good to NEGST. God is good to AIU."
It is now sixteen months since we officially became Africa International University. As I look back to that wonderful day on March 4th when President Kibaki awarded the AIU charter, I say "We give all the glory to Jesus." That day will always be a testimony to God's goodness. For this reason the Governing Council has approved and declared March 4th as AIU day. On this day each year we will celebrate the anniversary of the university.
On November 4th last year, we launched the capital campaign to raise $10,000,000.00 over five years. On that night, the Lord gave us more than we imagined. It was amazing and we thank God that we managed to kick off the journey of faith with donations of over $400,000.00 that night. About $67,000.00 more has been donated since the launch. More work has to be done to meet the full target. This year the focus of the capital campaign is on raising $2.5 million for the new Leah Ngini Center. The modern four-storied building will have a cafeteria to seat 200 people, coffee shop, student lounge and offices, bookshop, lecture theatres, ICT center, and other amenities. I warmly invite you to join hands together with us to raise the funds for this noble venture.
Excellent facilities contribute to a good education. The Leah Ngini Center is part of the first phase of the university physical facilities Master plan. The plan provided for new undergraduate students housing, academic buildings, gymnasium, and sports facilities. It also creates opportunities for kingdom investors to partner with the university in developing new facilities and business services.
The governing Council has had the opportunity to review our financial statements for the past year; and they do capture the reality of the successful implementation of the various institutional and financial strategies. A consolidated surplus of over $500,000.00, a 144% increase over the surplus in 2009 is a testimony of God's faithfulness upon AIU even as we embark on the journey ahead as a fully-fledged University. To God be all honor and glory!
As Governors, our commitment is that AIU will preserve the NEGST ethos of training quality leaders. Our desire is that AIU preserves a legacy of not just quality education but also education with passion and integrity. We do not doubt that our God who has brought us this far will enable us to achieve our desires and goals, as we rely on Him.
At the Co-operative Bank, we have chosen as our theme for this year, Joshua 1:3- "I will give you every place where you set your food." This is my prayer for AIU as well. God bless all of us and God bless AIU.
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