Africa University

Africa University Update - March 2023

United Methodists worldwide celebrated an ‘Ebenezer’ moment in the ministry of Africa University in 2022, marking 30 years of faithfulness, generosity, growth, and impact within and beyond The United Methodist Church.
 

Thank you Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, conference leaders, and member congregations for your hope-filled, transformative witness to the goodness of God. In 2022, the Peninsula-Delaware Conference  invested 100 percent of its share of general church giving to support the day-to-day operations of Africa University. Thank you, Peninsula-Delaware United Methodists, for being attentive to the needs of Africa University’s ministry and giving sacrificially to ensure its continuing vitality.
 

Supported by Peninsula-Delaware United Methodists and others across the denomination, Africa University embraced new opportunities as it emerged from pandemic-related restrictions in 2022.
 

• Enrollment: Africa University achieved a total enrollment at 2,791 students in August 2022. Female students comprised 58 percent of the student population and 23 African nations were represented.
   
• Academic Growth: Africa University launched its first new academic unit in almost twenty years—The School of Law—with a pioneer cohort of 20 students pursuing the Bachelor of Laws (Honors) (LL.B.) degree program. The institution is launching five new undergraduate and graduate programs approved by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), the national accreditation and quality assurance agency.
   
• Infrastructure expansion: The new residence hall for female students at Africa University is under construction, funded by the Peninsula-Delaware Conference’s $1.5 million Teach * Reach * Bless campaign. Once completed, the building will boost the available on campus housing for students to around 1200 beds.
   
• Outcomes: 712 graduates from 18 African countries became Africa University alumni in June 2022. The university’s almost 11,000 graduates to date are making vital contributions as clergy, educators, agriculturalists, health professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Faculty and student research efforts to address endemic challenges such as malaria and tuberculosis, food insecurity and climate change are gaining continental attention and significant international funding.
   

Africa University’s year-long 30^th anniversary program culminated in October 2022 with a gathering of more than 3,000 people at its main campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Amidst the commemoration and joyful thanksgiving livestreamed to the world, the Rev. Dr. Peter Mageto was formally installed as the fifth vice chancellor (president) of the institution.
 

Mageto, a Kenyan and academician specializing in theological ethics, echoed the gratitude of the students, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni of Africa University for the many answered prayers represented in the Africa University story. His inaugural address highlighted the optimism and commitment to purpose that drive the university’s unfolding vision.

“Today, Africa University turns thirty. The number 30 is a blessed figure. Thirty was the age of our Lord Jesus Christ when he commenced his ministry here on earth. It gives us great faith to be walking resolutely towards the fourth decade,” Mageto said.
 

God’s presence in the life of Africa University is evident, thanks to the prayers and generous support of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. Thank you, Peninsula-Delaware Conference, for equipping change leaders and building an enduring legacy through the ministry of Africa University. Let us continue to journey together—learning, leading, and serving God, all the time, everywhere.
 

James H. Salley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Africa University (Tennessee) Inc. & Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Africa University

Brief Bio of Martine Ngonzo Inalenge

My name is Martine Ngonzo Inalenge, and I am Congolese by nationality. I am the second born in a family of 7 children. My father is an unemployed medical doctor, and my mom is a primary school teacher. 

I am thankful for the opportunity that your scholarship has provided to me to study at Africa University. Last academic year, I was enrolled in the Intensive English Program. This academic year, I have begun my studies in my chosen field. I am a first-year student enrolled in the College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences. I am studying to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. Thank you for your sacrifice in paying my school fees. 

Were it not for your scholarship, my parents would not be able to afford my fees, and I would not be able to follow my dream to be of service to my family, community, and country. 
I thank God for you and pray that God will continue to bless you abundantly. 

Sincerely and gratefully yours, 
Martine N gonzo Inalenge 

Letter of Appreciation To the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference:

I am Lunda wa Nkulu Papy, a Congolese by the nationality. I

am the first-born in a family of five children.

I write to thank my sponsor and The United Methodist Church for awarding me scholarship support and helping me to become who I am today. My family members also thank you for helping me to study at Africa University.

Being awarded this scholarship has been life-changing for me and my family. I do not have the words available to express my deep gratitude.

After I graduate, I pray with the help of God to find a job so that I may help my family and my community. I want to help others just as I have been helped by your scholarship support.

I pray God's continued blessings upon you. Gratefully yours,

Africa University Report - 2019-2020 Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference

AU at a Glance

Africa University Scholarship

AU Bulletin Insert

Nyasha Chisiya

My name is Nyasha Chisiya, a second year student at Africa University studying Agribusiness Management.

I am a young man aged 21 and a third born in a family of three. My family stays in Rusape, but my mother passed away in 2004. My father got out of the formal education sector in 2009; hence, currently he is not working.

At Africa University, I am studying under a scholarship. Advancing with education has been my dream, and I hope to use it in future either to work with large organizations or to start a business of my own. I value education.  I do believe that with it my future as well as of that of my community is going to be a brighter one. In a nutshell, I do thank those who are paying my school fees.  I am very much indebted to them, and may God bless them in doing such a kind work. 

      Jose Raimundo Quelende