Addis Ababa – March 19, 2024 _ Professor George L Openjuru, the esteemed Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, has been bestowed with the distinguished title of Uganda African Educationist of the Year at the prestigious African Leadership Persons of the Year Award Ceremony. The event, themed “Building Resilient African Economies,” took place on March 14th and 15th, celebrating exemplary individuals driving positive change across the continent.
With a remarkable career spanning academia and community engagement, Prof. Openjuru has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing education and fostering social responsibility. As Vice Chancellor and Professor of Education at Gulu University, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape and championing lifelong learning initiatives.
Prof. Openjuru’s illustrious career includes significant leadership roles, such as serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Gulu University and Dean of the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning at Makerere University. His expertise in adult literacy education and lifelong learning has been instrumental in empowering individuals and communities across Uganda.
A passionate advocate for social change through education, Prof. Openjuru has actively supported civil society organizations promoting adult education in Uganda. His dedication to advancing social responsibility in higher education is exemplified through his coordination of the UNESCO Chair on Social Responsibility in Higher Education and Community University Engagement.
Prof. Openjuru’s contributions extend beyond academia, as he has spearheaded projects aimed at enhancing graduate employability for social change in East Africa. His commitment to addressing societal challenges is evident through projects focused on adult literacy education and entrepreneurship training for non-literate out-of-school youths in Uganda.
Prof. Openjuru’s areas of expertise encompass project management, adult and community education, and higher education with a strong emphasis on social responsibility and inclusion. His visionary leadership and tireless efforts in advancing education have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition, culminating in the prestigious Uganda African Educationist of the Year award.
The award ceremony, expected to draw over 300 attendees, will feature engaging roundtable panel discussions, keynote addresses, and talks about partnerships and investments, providing a platform for thought-provoking dialogue and collaboration. Additionally, winners of the ALM Persons of the Year awards will be celebrated, accompanied by the unveiling of the special POTY edition of African Leadership Magazine.
Among the exclusive dignitaries confirmed to attend are His Excellency William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; His Excellency George Weah, former President of Liberia; Hon. Cllr. Fonati Koffa, Speaker of the Liberia House of Representatives; His Excellency Rodrigo Guzmán Barro, Ambassador, Embassy of Chile in Addis Ababa; Hon. Dr. Kailesh Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness, Mauritius; and other notable figures from across Africa.
About ALM Persons of the Year (POTY)
The ALM Persons of the Year (POTY) Ceremony, a flagship annual event of the African Leadership Magazine, brings together policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society leaders, and thought leaders to discuss Africa’s socio-economic growth and development. It serves as a prestigious platform for honoring people-centred leadership and individuals championing a pan-African agenda.
About African Leadership Magazine
Published by the African Leadership Organization (UK), African Leadership Magazine showcases the best of Africa to a global audience, offering solutions to current challenges and promoting impactful leadership. For over 16 years, the organization has been dedicated to advancing African opportunities globally through quality Afro-positive content, trade facilitation, business networking platforms, and public sector training and consulting.
