Delegates celebrate success, growth of Africa University

Key Points:

• “Africa University is deeply rooted and thriving because of the faithful engagement of The United Methodist Church,” noted the Rev. Peter Mageto, the school’s vice chancellor.
• Bishop Mande Muyombo of North Katanga, chair of the Connectional Table and Africa University’s board, said the institution is the realization of the vision of episcopal leaders and the hope of the continent.
• “Leaders are made here,” said James H. Salley, president/chief executive officer of Africa University Inc. and associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement for Africa University.

General Conference delegates, church leaders and alumni celebrated the impact of Africa University and the support from United Methodists across the connection who have helped provide quality education to thousands of students.

Also referred to as “the school of dreams in the valley of hope,” the institution opened its doors in 1992. Since then, it has afforded 12,000 graduates — many of whom are first-generation college students, mainly women — the opportunity to study and become leaders in Africa and beyond.

“With your prayer and gifts, you stand in the gap for young men and women who could not access a college education,” said the Rev. Peter Mageto, Africa University vice chancellor. “Africa is a youthful continent, and the need for quality, contextually relevant and affordable education has never been greater.”

From the initial focus on theology, agriculture and education, the institution has evolved to become an extraordinary college with more than 65 degree programs. Mageto cited law and engineering programs, 350 staff, a student success rate of over 96%, a debt-free infrastructure and a world of possibility. In August, Africa University will launch Sub-Saharan Africa’s first Bachelor of Science degree in artificial intelligence.

“These new offerings extend the university’s trailblazing efforts in the areas of intellectual property rights, agriculture, business, child rights, communicable diseases and public health,” Mageto said.

Africa University has developed partnerships with renowned organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United States Agency for International Development, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Mastercard Foundation and the European Union through the Berghof Foundation.

Mageto, who holds two degrees from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, said, “Africa University is deeply rooted and thriving because of the faithful engagement of The United Methodist Church. The university graduates are growing the church and driving change. With every graduate who walks out of its gates, AU sends forth a ripple of change.”

Bishop Mande Muyombo of North Katanga, chair of the Connectional Table and Africa University’s board, said the institution is the realization of the vision of episcopal leaders and the hope of the continent.

“The development I see in my own episcopal area — one of the largest in the connection in both membership and geography — and across Africa in different spheres, is a result of the hard work of the people called United Methodists through Africa University,” Muyombo said.

“Across Sub-Saharan Africa, in almost every Methodist-related institution of higher learning and in missional engagement of every nature, you will find Africa University graduates in leadership,” he said.

Muyombo stressed that the education of the African girl child is a key focus of the college.

“Access to the life-changing educational experience at Africa University has kept many young girls out of early marriages,” he said. “Their education benefits their churches, their families, their communities and, ultimately, our global connection.”

The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau, a delegate from North Katanga, said Africa University made her who she is today.

“I am what I am because of The United Methodist Church. I am what I am because of Africa University.”

Kazadi is the finance officer for disaster management and serves as secretary of the board of universities in North Katanga.

In his book, “Ten Reasons I Am a Methodist,” Bishop Julius C. Trimble, who serves on the university’s board, lists Africa University as one of the greatest contributions of The United Methodist Church.

“I am a United Methodist because of our commitment to higher education, supporting children and families and making dreams come true,” he said. “Africa University is a delightful story that needs no hype. This is our connection at its best.

“The university makes me an ambassador of hope because changing lives and preparing leadership for the future is happening at AU. Every dollar is well spent,” Trimble said.

Incoming Council of Bishops President Tracy Smith Malone, whose East Ohio Conference recently gifted the school with a $1 million women’s dormitory, said education is a passport to freedom, sustainability, possibility and hope.

“I am a living witness to the difference that Africa University is making in the lives of students and in our beloved United Methodist Church,” Malone said. “Thank you, Lord, for Africa University.”

True to its mantra, “Leaders are made here,” around 200 graduates stood up in the auditorium when called by James H. Salley, president/chief executive officer of Africa University Inc. and associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement for Africa University. The alumni included delegates, observers and volunteers at the conference.

Chikwanah is a correspondent for UM News based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

News media contact: Julie Dwyer at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests.

 

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