Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, the Vice-Chancellor of Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), emphasized to the newly elected committee of the Association Générale des Étudiants (AGE-ICK) that being a leader is far more demanding than merely holding authority. He urged them to strive to be exemplary leaders.
Father Prof. Dushimimana made these remarks on Friday, December 6, 2024, during the swearing-in ceremony of the new AGE-ICK committee at the ICK headquarters.
Reflecting on the essence of leadership, he noted that a true leader inspires others to follow their vision, whereas exercising authority often entails issuing directives without necessarily engaging those being governed.
“Leadership is more significant than authority because authority only requires holding a position, but leadership demands setting clear objectives and charting a positive direction for those you lead,” he remarked.
He further explained, “A leader must distinguish themselves from an authoritarian figure. While an authoritarian merely enforces rules without concern for their followers, a leader must be attentive and lead by example, as their actions serve as a reference point for others. That is why I remind you that you are leaders, not mere authorities.”
A call to action
Father Prof. Dushimimana provided the committee with a roadmap for their leadership journey, anchored on four key priorities:
Building on past achievements: He encouraged them to continue the successes of the outgoing committee while innovating wherever possible.
Developing an action plan: The new committee was tasked with drafting a written plan outlining their objectives for the year. This plan would guide their activities, facilitate implementation, and allow for monitoring their progress as well as evaluation.
Ensuring student engagement in decision-making: Father Prof. Dushimimana also emphasized the importance of involving students in evaluating the services they receive. He urged the new committee to empower students to actively participate in shaping their educational experience by assessing whether the quality of services aligns with their expectations.
Upholding ICK’s reputation: The committee was called upon to safeguard the institution’s positive image, noting that ICK is highly regarded not only for its academic excellence but also for instilling strong moral values in its students.
Other officials who attended the event echoed Father Prof. Dushimimana’s sentiments, urging the committee to set ‘imihigo’ and prioritize self-evaluation and accountability to achieve impactful results.
Pierre Kanangire, the newly elected AGE-ICK Guild President, expressed his readiness to harness the opportunities at hand.
“We have numerous opportunities, and we are determined to make the most of them. As young people, we will work tirelessly and achieve great things together,” he stated.
The new committee comprises 24 members who will oversee the welfare of over 4,000 students enrolled at ICK.
