Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s renown Professor of Science and Environmental Education-Prof. William Wanjala Toili, while delivering MMUST’s 3rd professorial inaugural lecture, has showcased the mastery of the education landscape in Kenya and beyond. Prof. Toili delivered his lecture; ‘Transforming Science Education in Kenya: Navigating Policies and Realities in the Classroom’ on Thursday, 28th November, 2024. He traced the transformation of education in Kenya from early times to date, teasing out the defeatist patterns that have derailed the education sector over the years. The inaugural lecture was graced by the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo and attracted a significant attendance by members of the University Council, the Management Board, Professors, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, as well as Prof. Toili’s family and friends.
“An inaugural lecture is a significant milestone in academia and I would like to congratulate Prof. Toili for taking this step. MMUST has about 28 Professors, therefore we anticipate more of such events in future,” stated Prof. Shibairo, before proceeding to read Prof. Toili’s citation.
Prof. Toili (left) and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo match to MCU for the inaugural lecture.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)-Prof. Hussein Golicha, in his remarks pointed out that it is important for institutions of higher learning to enrich the society by sharing new knowledge, which is exactly what Prof. Toili did. “I am very proud of Prof. Toili for the good work that he has done,” said Prof. Golicha, adding that Professors are complete when they deliver inaugural lectures.
“Today marks a very important day for MMUST. We are here to honour Prof. Toili for taking the bold professorial step to tell the world about his contributions to the world of academia. The School of Education, where I also belong, is proud that this is the second member from our School to present an inaugural lecture. This means that out of the three inaugural lectures delivered in MMUST to date, two of them have been produced by the School of Education,” remarked the Registrar (Academic Affairs), Prof. Judah Ndiku.
Prof. Toili delivers his professorial inaugural lecture at MMUST.
Prof. Toili began his lecture by thanking the University Council, the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellors, the organizing committee, as well as the entire MMUST Community, for supporting him in delivering the inaugural lecture. “I recognize the presence of MMUST’s 1st inaugural lecture presenter, Prof. Frank Matanga and the 2nd one, Prof. Stephen Odebero for setting the pace for the rest of us in academia,” said. Prof. Toili.
Prof. Toili, his family and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.
Commenting on the evolution of science education and its transformation in Kenya over time, Prof. Toili highlighted the five phases of the transition in science education namely; Eurocentric, experimental, adoption, adaptation and transformative. “This journey underscores the progress made and highlights the transformative potential of science education in shaping a nation,” he said. In order to take the current education system to the next level, he recommended promotion of inquiry-based learning methods that resonate with local communities, provision of training in 21st century pedagogy, including critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and AI integration, as well as the establishment of a national science education association to drive professional development and research.
The Chairperson of the MMUST 3rd Inaugural Lecture Committee, and the Dean School of Education (SEDU)-Prof. Moses Poipoi, and other Professors of the University during the procession.
The Chairperson of the MMUST 3rd Inaugural Lecture Committee, and the Dean School of Education (SEDU)-Prof. Moses Poipoi, commended Prof. Toili for presenting an academic paper that not only underscored the essence of skills and knowledge, but also showcased the scientific attitude required in a classroom environment. “This lecture was indeed a timely scholarly undertaking that articulated the alignment of our curriculum to CBC. The transformative science education model that Prof. Toili came up with, is useful for internalizing science concepts and is quite relevant for the 21st century,” pointed out the Dean-SEDU.
As is expected of a high caliber academic professional, Prof. William Wanjala Toili interrogated the issues that resonate with the challenges facing science education in Africa, offering pragmatic solutions that will transform the teaching of science in Kenya and elsewhere in the world.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
