At Hekima University College (HUC), it is common to see Rev. Dr Francis Anyanzu, SJ, moving between offices with a sense of purpose. For many, his daily schedule seems impossible: he serves as the Deputy Principal for Administration and Finance (DPAF), the Human Resource Manager, and a Lecturer in Peace Studies and International Relations.
In a candid interview, Dr Anyanzu pulled back the curtain on how he manages these demanding roles, what keeps him motivated without a traditional “salary,” and the personal cost of being a high-level administrator.
The 80/20 Rule of Administration
Dr Anyanzu revealed that he was originally called to Hekima to teach; however, his path shifted toward leadership at the administration’s request. Today, he estimates that the combined weight of the DPAF and HR roles consumes roughly 80% of his time.
“Administration is something you have to be there for all the time,” he explained. From approving requisitions and authorizing bank transfers to managing staff contracts and leave days at the start of the year, his desk is the hub of the college’s operations.
To survive this “administrative takeover,” he follows a strict discipline:
- The 8:30 Cut-off: Student appointments must happen before 8:30 AM. Once that clock strikes, “administration takes over,” and the day becomes a whirlwind of meetings and financial oversight.
- Academic Afternoons: On teaching days, he scales down office work in the afternoon to focus on his students.
- The “Sacred” Weekend: To protect his headspace, he dedicates weekends strictly to academic reading and his responsibilities as a superior for 19 community members at Loyola House, the Jesuits’ Eastern Africa Provincial house where he lives.
Motivation beyond the Paycheck or Family Obligations
When asked what drives him to work so hard, given that as a Jesuit priest, he does not work for a personal salary or for family support, Dr. Anyanzu pointed to a “culture of work” rooted in his childhood and the Jesuit attitude towards work, which compels an individual to strive for the best AMDG (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam) for the Greater Glory of God.
“I was accused of being lazy as a kid,” he laughed. “But now, I enjoy doing the work. Seeing the college grow motivates me. Being given the freedom to stretch myself and bring out my potential keeps me going.”
He also noted that his motivation is communal. While he doesn’t have a biological family to feed, he is responsible for the welfare of 18 members of his religious community, including the Provincial.
The Passion vs. the Position
Despite his success in balancing the books and managing personnel, Dr Anyanzu admitted that his true passion remains the classroom. He described the joy of seeing “young, dynamic faces” and the intellectual growth that comes from engaging with students.
However, he was honest about the trade-offs of holding high office. “Administration has now killed publication,” he admitted, noting that while he still teaches and supervises, his goal of frequent academic publishing has been sidelined by the immediate demands of the college’s growth.
“In teaching, you read, you discover something new, and you grow intellectually. In administration, the growth is there, but not as it is in academics.”By Pamela Adinda, HUC Communications & International Relations Office Coordinator
