Africa University

Africa University
Motto	Investing in Africa's Future
Type	Private
Established	1992
Religious affiliation	United Methodist Church
Chancellor	Bishop Gaspar João Domingos
Vice-Chancellor	Rev. Professor. Peter. Mageto
Administrative staff	250
Students	1,300
Location	Mutare (Old Mutare), Manicaland, Zimbabwe
Campus	Rural, 1,545 acres (625 ha)
Nickname	Acacians
Website	www.africau.edu

Africa University is a "private, Pan-African and United Methodist-related institution."^[1] In 2021 it had over 2,500 students from 31 African countries, of whom 58 percent were women and 24 percent came from outside Zimbabwe. The main campus is located 17 kilometres (11 mi) northwest of Mutare, the fourth largest city in Zimbabwe, on a 1,542 acres (6.24 km²) rural site with 36 buildings. The university grants bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in various programs. The language of instruction is English.^[1]

History

The creation of a Methodist university in Africa for students from all of Africa was formally proposed in 1984 by Bishop Emilio de Carvalho of Angola and approved by the 1988 General Conference.^[2] Groundbreaking occurred in 1991, and classes began in 1992 with 40 students from six nations in two academic faculties. By 2014 the student population was 1,474 (53 percent women) from 23 nations, studying in six faculties. One student from the first graduating class had earned a doctorate in entomology and was teaching at the university.^[2]

By 2021 Africa University had over 2,500 students from 31 African countries, of whom 58 percent were women and 24 percent came from outside Zimbabwe.^[1] The 36 buildings on the main campus are supplemented by a satellite campus offering both undergraduate and graduate classes in Harare, the largest city and capitol of Zimbabwe. Thirteen residence halls on the main campus had a capacity of 1,130 students.

A report to the United Methodist General Conference in 2024 noted that the student body typically numbers about 2,500 full-time and 300 part-time students, with 95 percent graduating and 92 percent remaining on the continent of Africa.^[3] The university has more than 12,000 alumni as of 2024.^[3]

^[4]

Funding

The university operating budget in 2024 was $14 million.^[3] Additional funding of $5 million per year has been provided by the United Methodist Church since 1988, half for operating expenses and half to support development, construction, and the permanent endowment fund.^[2] As of 2022, the endowment fund held more than $100 million.

The Africa University Development Office located in Nashville, Tennessee,^[5] has the primary responsibility to raise funds for the permanent endowment as well as for capital projects.

Structure

A 30-member board of directors chaired by Bishop Marcus Matthews governs Africa University. A founding member of Africa University's Faculty of Theology was elected the university's third chancellor on 8 December 2008. Professor Fanuel Tagwira, another founding member of the university's Faculty of Agriculture, was elected the university's third vice-chancellor in March 2009. As of 1 July 2014, Prof Munashe Furusa was unanimously elected as the new vice-chancellor.

Africa University is the first private, fully accredited, degree-granting United Methodist-related institution of higher learning on the continent of Africa as established and approved by General Conference. The university is Pan-African in design and spirit. Thirty six nations of Africa were represented in the student population for the 2015/2016 academic year. The majority of faculty and administrative staff are Africans. Professors and policy makers comprise permanent and visiting educators from the United States, Europe, and around the world. The official language at the university is English, which is also the official language of Zimbabwe.

There are thirty-two buildings on the campus with four currently under construction. The 32 buildings include 12 dormitories, 12 senior staff housing units, a chapel, and a state-of-the-art library complex. The four buildings under construction include a student clinic, two housing duplexes for senior staff, and the building for the Institute of Peace, Leadership, and Governance (IPLG).

Recently the Kent M. Weeks Archives^[6] was opened to collect all university and United Methodist Church records which are deemed to be of historic and research value.

^[7]

Academics

There are currently 5 colleges at Africa University, namely The College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences; The College of Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance; The College of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education;^[8] The School of Law and; The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. There is also the Africa University Information Technology Training Center.^[9]

The university requires all graduates to achieve some proficiency in two non-African languages, being English (the language of instruction) and either French or Portuguese.^[1]

College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences

Agriculture & Natural Resources^[10]
Health Sciences^[11]

The Department of Agriculture and Natural Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Department of Health Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in nursing and health science management and a master's degree in public health.

College of Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance

Business^[12]
Computer Science and Information Systems
Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance

The Department of Business offers a number of training options for those interested in careers in business development and management, marketing, finance, and administration. At the undergraduate level, it has a full-time 4-year programme leading to degrees in accounting, economics, and management, marketing and computer science. It offers a full-time 2-year MBA program and a part-time EMBA program for senior managers and administrators.https://executivemba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-or-emba/

The Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance (IPLG) is a graduate institute which offers master's degrees in peace and governance, public policy and governance, Human rights law, Migration law and a Masters in intellectual property law. It also offers a PhD in Peace Leadership and Governance. It also offers trainings and short courses for lawyers, civil servants and policy makers. It has various partners including World Intellectual property organization (WIPO) and the Open Society Initiative in Southern Africa (OSISA)

College of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education

Humanities^[13]
Social Sciences
Theology^[14]
Education^[15]

The Departments of Humanities and Social Sciences offer three- and four-year full-time degree programs, in the form of either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Sciences with specialisation in English, Environmental Studies, French, History, Music, Portuguese, Psychology, Sociology, or Religious Studies. Two master's degrees are offered in child and family studies.

The Department of Theology offers a four-year full-time Bachelor of Divinity degree and a two-year full-time Master of Theological Studies degree.

The Department of Education offers a four-year full-time Bachelor of Arts degree and a two-year Bachelor of Education degree for secondary school teachers. The two-year program is specifically designed for teaching professionals who wish to upgrade their skills.

Notable alumni

Glanis Changachirere, women's rights activist and founder of the Institute for Young Women Development (IYWD)
Charles Charamba, gospel musician, pastor, songwriter, producer
Herbert Gomba, former mayor of the City of Harare
Chido Govera, farmer, campaigner, and educator
Dr. Tonderai Kasu, substantive director of health and environmental services for Chitungwiza and former acting town clerk (acting chief executive) for Chitungwiza Town Council

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Prospectus 2021-2022 (PDF). Mutare, Zimbabwe: Africa University. 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c The book of resolutions of the United Methodist Church - 2016. Nashville, Tennessee: The United Methodist Publishing House. 2016. p. 517. ISBN 978-1-501-83324-3.
^ ^a ^b ^c "GCFA Report No.4 Africa University Fund (May 3)" (PDF). Daily Christian Advocate. Vol. 5, no. 10. United Methodist Church. 3 May 2024. p. 2304. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
^ "Brief History - Africa University Development Office". www.support-africauniversity.org. Archived from the original on 8 January 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
^ "Africa University Development Office". Support Africa University. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 17 October 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Africa University Archives". Africauarchives.synthasite.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Africa University Archives". Africauarchives.synthasite.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Institute of Peace Leadership and Governance". Africau.edu. 23 August 2007. Archived from the original on 16 November 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Information Technology Training Center". Africau.edu. 26 November 2007. Archived from the original on 26 January 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Africa University::Agriculture". Africau.edu. 24 August 2007. Archived from the original on 24 August 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Faculty of Health Sciences". Africau.edu. 24 August 2007. Archived from the original on 25 August 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Management & Administration". Africau.edu. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 18 June 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Africa University :Administration". Africau.edu. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 11 January 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Faculty of Theology". Africau.edu. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
^ "Africa University Faculty of Education". Africau.edu. 24 August 2007. Archived from the original on 22 August 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

External links

Official Web Site of Africa University
Official Web Giving Site for Africa University
Africa University partners with Chevron to help the University of Agostinho Neto in Angola
https://www.mohe.gov.zm/ Archived 9 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine
https://www.zaqa.gov.zm/higher-education-institutions/ Archived 8 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine
https://www.hea.org.zm/

18°53′51″S 32°36′04″E / 18.89750°S 32.60111°E / -18.89750; 32.60111

[Pr2122-1] Prospectus 2021-2022 (PDF). Mutare, Zimbabwe: Africa University. 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2024.

[BR16-2] The book of resolutions of the United Methodist Church - 2016. Nashville, Tennessee: The United Methodist Publishing House. 2016. p. 517. ISBN 978-1-501-83324-3.

[DCA24-3] "GCFA Report No.4 Africa University Fund (May 3)" (PDF). Daily Christian Advocate. Vol. 5, no. 10. United Methodist Church. 3 May 2024. p. 2304. Retrieved 28 July 2024.

[4] "Brief History - Africa University Development Office". www.support-africauniversity.org. Archived from the original on 8 January 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2022.

[5] "Africa University Development Office". Support Africa University. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 17 October 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[6] "Africa University Archives". Africauarchives.synthasite.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[7] "Africa University Archives". Africauarchives.synthasite.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[8] "Institute of Peace Leadership and Governance". Africau.edu. 23 August 2007. Archived from the original on 16 November 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[9] "Information Technology Training Center". Africau.edu. 26 November 2007. Archived from the original on 26 January 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[10] "Africa University::Agriculture". Africau.edu. 24 August 2007. Archived from the original on 24 August 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[11] "Faculty of Health Sciences". Africau.edu. 24 August 2007. Archived from the original on 25 August 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[12] "Management & Administration". Africau.edu. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 18 June 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[13] "Africa University :Administration". Africau.edu. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 11 January 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[14] "Faculty of Theology". Africau.edu. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

[15] "Africa University Faculty of Education". Africau.edu. 24 August 2007. Archived from the original on 22 August 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2010.

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v t e Association of African Universities
Algeria	Algiers 1 University Constantine 1 University Oran 1 University University of Ouargla University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene
Angola	Agostinho Neto University
Benin	University of Abomey-Calavi
Botswana	Botho University Botswana Accountancy College Botswana International University of Science and Technology Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Botswana
Burkina Faso	Nazi Boni University University of Ouagadougou
Burundi	University of Burundi
Cameroon	University of Bamenda University of Buea University of Douala University of Dschang University of Maroua University of Ngaoundéré University of Yaoundé I
Cape Verde	Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde
Central African Republic	EUCLID University of Bangui
Chad	University of N'Djamena
Republic of the Congo	Marien Ngouabi University
Cote d'Ivoire	International University of Grand-Bassam Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Catholic University of Bukavu University of Kinshasa University of Kisangani University of Lubumbashi
Egypt	Ain Shams University Al-Azhar University Alexandria Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology Alexandria University Benha University Cairo University Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology Egyptian e-Learning University Helwan University Mansoura University Menoufia University Minya University Misr University for Science and Technology October 6 University Pharos University in Alexandria South Valley University Suez Canal University Tanta University The American University in Cairo The British University in Egypt University of Sadat City Zagazig University
Eritrea	University of Asmara
Eswatini	University of Eswatini
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Addis Ababa University Ethiopian Civil Service University Haramaya University Hawassa University Jimma University Mekelle University St. Mary's University Wollega University
Gabon	Omar Bongo University
Ghana	Accra Institute of Technology Accra Technical University African University College of Communications All Nations University Ashesi University Bluecrest University College Central University George Grant University of Mines and Technology Ghana Institute of Languages Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Koforidua Technical University Kumasi Technical University Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Methodist University College Ghana Pentecost University Presbyterian University College Radford University College Regent University College of Science and Technology Regional Maritime University University for Development Studies University of Cape Coast University of Education, Winneba University of Energy and Natural Resources University of Ghana University of Health and Allied Sciences University of Professional Studies University of Media, Arts and Communication Valley View University Wisconsin International University College Zenith University College
Kenya	African Virtual University Catholic University of Eastern Africa Daystar University Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Egerton University International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenyatta University Maseno University Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Moi University Mount Kenya University Multimedia University of Kenya South Eastern Kenya University Strathmore University Umma University University of Eldoret University of Nairobi
Lesotho	National University of Lesotho
Liberia	Cuttington University Stella Maris Polytechnic University United Methodist University
Libya	Al Asmarya University for Islamic Sciences Al Zawiya University Misurata University Sabha University University of Benghazi University of Tripoli
Madagascar	University of Antananarivo University of Toamasina University of Toliara
Malawi	Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Malawi University of Science and Technology UNICAF University of Malawi
Mali	University of Bamako
Mauritania	University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya
Mauritius	Open University of Mauritius University of Mauritius University of Technology, Mauritius
Morocco	Mohammed First University Mohammed V University University of al-Qarawiyyin
Mozambique	Catholic University of Mozambique Eduardo Mondlane University Maputo University
Namibia	International University of Management Namibia University of Science and Technology University of Namibia
Niger	Abdou Moumouni University Higher Institute of Mining, Industry and Geology Maryam Abacha American University Niger
Nigeria	Abia State University Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Adamawa State University Ahmadu Bello University Al-Hikmah University Babcock University Bayero University Bells University of Technology Bowen University Crawford University Delta State University, Abraka Ebonyi State University Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University of Technology, Owerri Federal University of Technology, Yola Gombe State University Kogi State University Kwara State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Michael Okpara University of Agriculture National Open University of Nigeria Niger Delta University Nnamdi Azikiwe University Osun State University Pan-Atlantic University Redeemer's University Rivers State University University of Abuja University of Africa University of Agriculture, Abeokuta University of Agriculture, Makurdi University of Benin University of Calabar University of Ibadan University of Ilorin University of Lagos University of Port Harcourt University of Uyo Usman Dan Fodio University
Rwanda	Université Nationale du Rwanda
Sierra Leone	Njala University University of Sierra Leone
Somalia	Benadir University East Africa University Puntland State University
South Africa	Cape Peninsula University of Technology Central University of Technology Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University North-West University Rhodes University University of Cape Town University of Fort Hare University of Johannesburg University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Free State University of Limpopo University of Pretoria University of South Africa University of Stellenbosch University of the Western Cape University of the Witwatersrand University of Venda University of Zululand Walter Sisulu University
South Sudan	University of Juba
Sudan	El Imam El Mahdi University Omdurman Ahlia University Red Sea University University of Science and Technology
Tanzania	Ardhi University Muslim University of Morogoro Mzumbe University St. Augustine University of Tanzania The Open University of Tanzania University of Dar es Salaam Zanzibar University
The Gambia	University of the Gambia
Togo	Université de Lomé
Uganda	Busitema University Uganda Christian University Uganda Management Institute Uganda Martyrs University
Zambia	Cavendish University Copperbelt University Mulungushi University University of Zambia Zambian Open University
Zimbabwe	Africa University Bindura University of Science Education Chinhoyi University of Technology Great Zimbabwe University Harare Institute of Technology Lupane State University Midlands State University National University of Science and Technology University of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Open University

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