The former Namibian First Lady, Monica Geingos, will assume her new responsibilities as the Chancellor at the Kigal-based Kepler College, the college management announced on Monday, August 19. Geingos, who began her term on July 29, is also the first appointed Chancellor at the College, where she joins Prof. Baylie Damtie Yeshita, the Vice-Chancellor, and Ambassador Charles Murigande as the Chairperson of the College’s Governance Council. A lawyer by profession, Geingos, 47, has made significant contributions to both the private and public sectors, particularly in her home country Namibia, and beyond. “We are pleased to welcome (H.E.) Monica Geingos as our first Chancellor. Her vast experience and leadership in support of young people make her the right person to lead our institution,” said Murigande, Chairman of Kepler College’s Governance Council. Murigande added; “We are grateful for her passion and focus on Africa’s development through the economic empowerment of young Africans. This aligns with our mission, and we look forward to seeing her impact. Before she served as the First Lady of Namibia (March 2015 - February 2024), she was Managing Director and co-shareholder of Namibia’s largest private equity fund for over a decade. Most recently, Geingos led the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) as its President, where she championed the popular WeAreEqual campaign, advocating for gender equity across Africa. As Chancellor, Geingos is expected to preside over convocation ceremonies, confer degrees, and represent the College in both the academic and broader public spheres. “As the inaugural Chancellor of Kepler College, I am profoundly honored to lead this institution into a new era of transformative education. My vision is to harness the power of knowledge not merely to inform but to inspire profound societal change,” Chancellor Geingos pledged upon her appointment. She added; “By creating a dynamic learning environment that bridges academic excellence with real-world application, we aim to ignite a generation of Pan African innovators and leaders who will drive meaningful progress.” Chancellor Geingos’ leadership extended to her roles as a co-chair of the Global Council on Inequality, AIDS, and Pandemics, and Chairperson of the Africa REACH Leadership Council. She has been instrumental in advocating for gender equity and economic inclusivity through her various platforms. Committed to excellence and inclusivity For Prof. Baylie Damtie, Geingos’ appointment as Chancellor marks a significant milestone for Kepler College. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a unique perspective that will enrich the College’s academic culture and commitment to excellence and inclusivity. I am confident that her leadership will greatly enhance our ability to offer transformative higher education,” he said. Chancellor Geingos’ global recognition includes receiving the ‘World Without AIDS Award’ from the German AIDS Foundation and being appointed as a UNAIDS Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls. Most recently, in April 2024, she was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Jharkhand Rai University. Under her new duties, she is also set to represent Kepler College within and outside the academic community.
