Kenyan professor earns global recognition for promoting talent in education

Prof. Humphrey Oborah.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

As Kenya celebrates its 61st Jamhuri Day today, one of its distinguished sons, Prof. Humphrey Oborah, is earning international recognition for his remarkable contributions to the field of education.

Prof. Oborah has received a prestigious honor in the United Kingdom for his pioneering efforts in talent development.

The International Association for Quality Assurance of Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education (QAHE), a UK-based organization, has recognized him for his outstanding work, particularly through his leadership of the African Talent Campus in Kisumu.

With over 24 years of experience in education, Prof. Oborah currently serves as the Director of the Council for Accreditation of Experiential Learning (CAEL).

He has been instrumental in championing the recognition and development of gifted and talented individuals across Africa.

According to a statement from QAHE, "His extensive work has been instrumental in shaping policies and practices that support the educational needs of learners with exceptional abilities."

Born in Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu, Prof. Oborah overcame significant challenges growing up in a modest background. These personal experiences fueled his passion for advocating for gifted and talented learners. He established multiple Gift and Talent Screening Clinics and Specialized Academic Clinics to identify and nurture exceptional abilities among students.

Prof. Oborah's impact extends beyond Kenya’s borders. As the Secretary-General and CEO of the World Talent Federation, he has tirelessly built international networks to promote talent development. His leadership has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of identifying and fostering giftedness in education, despite initial skepticism and resistance to his innovative approaches.

Today, Prof. Oborah’s vision is widely respected, with educators and institutions increasingly recognizing the importance of talent identification and support. His work has not only transformed the lives of countless students but has also enriched the broader understanding of talent’s role in education systems.

In acknowledgment of his groundbreaking contributions, QAHE has awarded Prof. Oborah the Honorary Fellowship Award. This accolade underscores his dedication and significant impact on the field. “His journey exemplifies resilience, passion, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every learner, inspiring future generations to embrace and cultivate their unique talents,” QAHE stated.

The QAHE Honorary Fellowship is reserved for highly esteemed individuals recognized for their exceptional contributions to education. These fellows play a critical role in advancing educational standards globally. Prof. Oborah joins a distinguished group of individuals from various countries who have been honored by QAHE. In Africa, his achievements are celebrated alongside those of Dr. Festus C. Daniel, National President of the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria.

Honorary Fellows contribute significantly to areas such as curriculum development, pedagogy, research, policy-making, and educational leadership. Their dedication has fostered more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environments for students worldwide. “Their tireless efforts to improve educational systems and practices have positively impacted learners from all backgrounds,” noted QAHE.

Speaking to the press in Kisumu, Prof. Oborah expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing talent education. Quoting Mark 6:4 from the Bible, he remarked, “A prophet has little honor in his hometown,” but emphasized that this would not deter him from his mission to enhance talent identification and development.

As Kenya honors individuals for their contributions during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, Prof. Oborah’s name is notably absent from the list of national honorees, despite his instrumental role in shaping education policies such as the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Nevertheless, his international acclaim highlights his profound impact on education and serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to nurturing talent.