Africa University is a "private, Pan-African and United Methodist-related institution." It stands as the first private, fully accredited, degree-granting United Methodist-related institution of higher learning on the continent of Africa, established and approved by the General Conference.
History and Establishment
The development of Africa University is a consequence of the growth of United Methodism in Africa.
In 1984, two African bishops, with the support of thousands of African Methodists, issued the call to create Africa University. Bishop Emilio J. M. Carvalho of Angola and Bishop Arthur F. Kulah of Liberia envisioned a higher education institution serving the continent.
A plan for the United Methodist-Related university was presented to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in October 1987.
Groundbreaking occurred in 1991, and classes began in 1992 with 40 students from six nations in two academic faculties.
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Campus and Location
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 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.
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.
Governance and Leadership
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.
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Student Body and Diversity
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.
Thirty six nations of Africa were represented in the student population for the 2015/2016 academic year.
The university is Pan-African in design and spirit. Professors and policy makers comprise permanent and visiting educators from the United States, Europe, and around the world. The majority of faculty and administrative staff are Africans.
Africa University is known as a diverse and vibrant university. The different cultures, languages, and traditions of the students make each day an exciting adventure.
Academic Programs
The university grants bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees in various programs. It offers 65 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across five academic units:
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- The College of Business and Management Sciences
- The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- The College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences
- The College of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education
- The School of Law
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; The School of Law and; The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
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.
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.
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.
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 four-year Bachelor of Art with Education Programme granted one year credit for work done at Teachers College in Primary Education is intended for those applicants who have already attained satisfactory teaching qualifications and experience, but need to further their knowledge both in content studies and in understanding the education process. Each student will complete coursework in one or two content subjects, depending on the subject area, as well as a number of professional education courses. Content subjects may include the following: English, French, Geography, History, Music, Portuguese, French and Religious Studies.
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| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Over 2,500 |
| Percentage of Women | 58% |
| Students from Outside Zimbabwe | 24% |
| Countries Represented | 31 |
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