Hekima University College (HUC) inaugurated its 2026–2027 academic year on Saturday, 15 August, with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), Rev. Fr. José Minaku, SJ.
Celebrating the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Minaku reflected on HUC’s new academic theme, “Expanding Horizons, Empowering Futures,” inviting the academic community to see education as more than the acquisition of knowledge.
“Drawing on the Gospel account of the disciples who return to fishing after the Resurrection, he highlighted Jesus’ invitation to cast their nets on the other side of the boat.
The boat is the same, the fishermen are the same, the lake is the same; the only thing changing is looking in another direction.”
For Fr. Minaku, this change in perspective captures an essential purpose of higher education: moving beyond information gathering to develop new ways of seeing reality. Education should help students recognize systemic injustice, appreciate cultural diversity without judgment and engage the world through faith and human dignity.
He also connected this transformation to Ignatian contemplation, emphasizing the humility, integrity and patience required to remain with difficult questions until deeper meaning emerges.
Reflecting on the Gospel, Fr. Minaku further reminded the HUC community that God’s providence does not eliminate the need for human effort.
“God is always at work, but He still wants the fish that we bring.”
He encouraged students and faculty to offer their research, teaching, technology, dreams and even their failures in the service of God’s work.
Invoking Mary Hekima, Our Lady of Wisdom, Fr. Minaku concluded by encouraging the HUC community to embrace Mary’s words, “Let it be done to me,” and “Do whatever He tells you.”
As the new academic year begins, his message offers a powerful invitation: to expand our horizons by learning to see differently, and to empower futures by putting knowledge, faith and human effort at the service of others.
By Pamela Adinda,
HUC Communications and International Office Coordinator
