Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU) holds a special place in the hearts of one Kenyan family, as four of its members have chosen the university as the nurturing ground for their academic pursuits.

Charles Muleke Inyagwa completed his thesis defense at NAU in 2006. [Photo/ourjiangsu.com]

Charles Muleke Inyagwa, the father, pursued his doctoral degree in preventive veterinary medicine at NAU from 2003 to 2006, becoming the university's first international student to achieve such a milestone. As the founding dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at Egerton University in Kenya, he has nurtured over 500 animal health experts. Muleke also established the Safe Foods Reference Laboratory (SAF-LAB) at Egerton University, dedicated to enhancing food quality and human health.

In 2017, the Kenyan Alumni Association of NAU was established, with Charles assuming the association's presidency.

His daughter, Muleke M'Mbone Everlyne, studied vegetable science at NAU from 2014 to 2017 and is now a university teacher in her hometown. Her husband, Sowadan Ognigamal from Togo, West Africa, came to NAU 13 years ago for a master's degree. Ognigamal is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in crop genetics and breeding.

Ognigamal at NAU. [Photo/ourjiangsu.com]

"I hope both of us can continually promote exchanges and cooperation between NAU and African universities in talent, research, and various other aspects, and contribute to agricultural development in Africa," said Ognigamal.

Continuing the family legacy, Charles' son, Price Amanya Muleke, enrolled at NAU in 2022 and is pursuing a doctoral degree in agricultural economics and management. Price Amanya Muleke expressed his fascination with Chinese culture, showing a deep desire to explore its rich history, diverse traditional festivals, vibrant music, and literature.

As NAU celebrates its 30th year of aiding Africa in 2024, the university has cultivated over 340 talented individuals for African nations. Additionally, through short-term training programs, it has imparted agricultural expertise to more than 8,200 professionals, solidifying its commitment to advancing agricultural practices and knowledge transfer in Africa.