MUTARE The Africa University last week installed Bishop David Yemba as its third Chancellor, and Professor Fanuel Tagwira as the Vice Chancellor, marking a new era in the leadership of the 17 year-old Pan African institution. More than 300 guests from North America, Europe and Africa attended the occasion, which was presided over by the former Chancellor of Africa University, Bishop Nkulu Ntambo from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
I am humbled to have been chosen to play an important role as a Chancellor, said Yemba. I am immensely conscious of the fact that everything that has been achieved over the past 17 years in this institution is a consequence of grace.
Yemba said the present time was a critical moment in the history of Africa University and Zimbabwe as a whole.
Yemba joined the Africa University in 1991 and became the founding dean of the faculty of Theology in March 1992. He attained a degree in Systematic Theology from the Free University of the Congo in the Oriental Province, Kisangani in 1970. He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Strasbourg. Yemba has held various posts at universities in Zimbabwe, DRC and USA. He has published extensively in the area of Systematic Theology and Ecumenical Studies.
The same occasion also saw the installation of Professor Fanuel Tagwira as the Vice Chancellor of the university. He took over from political scientist Professor Rukudzo Murapa.
In his acceptance speech Tagwira said: I take this opportunity to thank our Board of Directors for the trust bestowed on me to lead this great institution at this defining moment in our history. I promise to do all my best to take this university to yet another level and make it a model of quality higher education on the African continent.
Tagwira highlighted that the year 2008 and 2009 were very tough years for the university.
We have experienced challenges because of the economic hardships this country has been going through. Finding our way through hyperinflation, money supply shortages, food shortages, an exodus of skilled professionals and the break down of public utilities has not been easy, he said.
Tagwira added that Africa University had to take some very tough decisions to remain viable.
Through these challenges Africa University has continued to focus on improving the quality of life and education of its students through improving the university facilities and service delivery, he said.
Post published in: World News