By Andrew Gitonga, Hillel Busingye, Nashaepae Mucoki and Zaria Mwai

Vulnerable students such as those with disability, refugee status or come from underprivileged backgrounds face distinct challenges. Davis (Not his real name) was enrolled in USIU-Africa in 2008, prior to which he had not used a computer, a skill he had to learn in campus while navigating a finance class that was taught by Prof. Amos Njuguna. The deadline for submitting an assignment had come and Professor Amos Njuguna noticed this, he asked why, to which the student explained that the essay had a strict 5,000-word limit, and he was manually counting the words to make sure he was within the limit. Instead of punishing the student or simply brushing him off, Professor Amos worked with the ICT Department to help the student gain ‘technology life skills’ to enable the student tackle that and other demanding assignments. A decade later, Prof. Njuguna met Davis, who was once unfamiliar with technology, confidently using an iPad. This is who Amos Njuguna is; not just a professor of finance, but a teacher who transforms lives.

Many professors teach, but few adapt to their students. Since joining USIU-Africa in 2007, Professor Amos has spent nearly two decades in academia, watching students change over time. Unlike many, he embraces it. “Every year, the lecturer gets older, but the students stay the same age,” he says. This realization changed how he teaches. He doesn’t just share knowledge, he teaches students how to think, adapt, and solve problems. Whether he’s working with fresh high school graduates or experienced professionals, he believes problem solvers will always find opportunities, and that’s the lesson he wants his students to take with them.

Before academia, Professor Amos worked in the corporate world as a professional accountant. One day, he explained a financial concept to a surgeon who was also a Chief Executive Officer of a hospital. He quickly realized that the organization was struggling, but a week after submitting his report, the CEO still hadn’t reviewed it. Taking the time to explain the concept properly, he saw the CEO finally understand the severity of the issue. That moment made him realize teaching isn’t just about knowing something, it’s about helping others understand. This led him to Egerton University before joining USIU-Africa, where he found his true calling – not just as a finance expert, but as a teacher who makes complex ideas simple.

Professor Amos teaches students from different generations, bridging the gap between theory and real-world experience. With younger students, he focuses on making concepts practical. With older students – many of whom have more work experience than he does collaborates, learning from their insights to co-create knowledge.

While he thrives in academia, numbers, and research, his world isn’t limited to textbooks. He loves traditional African music and old-school Rhumba, appreciating the storytelling in them. He also enjoys reading fiction, which he believes helps him see the world from different perspectives, beyond financial models. When he needs to clear his mind, he goes jogging in the forest or takes long nature walks, which help him reconnect and reset.

One of the most valuable lessons he’s learned came from his mentor; “If you want a job done, give it to the busy guy. The idle guy never gets time to do anything.” This advice changed how he approaches work and leadership. He also believes in the power of social capital – respecting others, even when you disagree, can open doors that knowledge alone cannot.

At the core of his teaching is the goal of preparing students for life. If there’s one lesson that he would hope they take away, it’s this; “Opportunities don’t wait. Be a problem solver, and the world will come to you”.