Vice Chancellor of Africa University, Professor Fanuel Tagwira in his official address, remarked that Africa University did not take their decision of enrolling at Africa University for granted.
“As an institution, we pledge to provide you with a conducive learning environment and highly qualified and experienced professors to guide you through your time at this University.”
Chido Zvoutete, a first year student from Zimbabwe enrolled in the Faculty of Management and Administration said she chose AU because of its high ranking among the community of Universities in Zimbabwe.
“It’s the best in the country, and the graduates from this place are doing great things out there.” Zvoutete is the last born in a family of two, and said her mother initially introduced her to AU. “I don’t regret having come here. My mom was more interested in the Christian environment which this University offers and its emphasis on leadership development. I just listened to her, and all I can say is that this place is a place of opportunity and I intend to work very hard, get good grades, and make an impact across the various University activities offered here.” Chido also remarked that the Vice Chancellor’s address was motivating.
Fellow Zimbabwean, Faber Zuweni, also from the Faculty of Management and Administration commended the University’s pan African identity. “I think that from here, you can go anywhere and everywhere.” Zuweni points to the language acquisition policy at AU as being of fundamental importance in creating fluid human resources for the African continent. “It’s good that you can learn many languages here. I am learning French, very enthusiastically I must say- and my roommate, Thomas Kapiyamanza from the DRC helps me to speak French. Even the way they allocate rooms in the halls of residence is strategic, so that you learn something new from the person you live with.” Zuweni also said that the Vice Chancellor’s address ‘made you want to bring out the best in yourself.’
From Maputo, Mozambique, Anna Paula said she felt happy to be matriculating. “It’s a special day for me. I hope to join social clubs on campus, and I have already joined the Choir. I hope to keep myself busy doing good things while I am here. I am also happy here because we have very competent lecturers and the environment is so interesting. Everyone is also given a chance to succeed.”
Lenge Mumbi from the DRC, Lubumbashi said his aspiration was to get a degree from AU and to master the English Language. “My father is a United Methodist Pastor and my mom is a house wife. I am very grateful because I got this scholarship opportunity to come and study here- it’s like a dream.”
Ofuta Gabriel from the DRC was a matriculant in the Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance from South Sudan’s capital of Juba.
“I feel great,” he said. We have known about Africa University since our Speaker of Parliament, Honourable James Waniga came here, (at the 2011 Dag Hammarskjöld Commemorations) and we are
part of the crop of students who have been priviledged to come here.” Gabriel spent most of his life at Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya with his mother. He lost his father during the war. “I know the value of peace,- it can never be taken for granted,” he said. Gabriel feels the place of Africa University in Africa is to be peace initiator. “Africa University is a key initiator of African knowledge and peace. Its competence and facilities are world class. “Just being here and being able to be in the company of my brothers and sisters from all over Africa, without even thinking about our ethnicities and tribes is refreshing.” Gabriel studied Economics at the Catholic University in Sudan before deciding to enroll at AU. At the end of his degree, he hopes to return to South Sudan and engage peace building activities at the community level.
Ebenezzer Koucouai from Ivory Coast was also another excited matriculant. He is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. After going through a year of Intensive English, Koucouai feels very excited. “I hope to be out with a degree and go back to Ivory Coast and do great things.”
Vice Chancellor of Africa University, Professor Fanuel Tagwira said the matriculation ceremony was steeped deep in Africa University’s tradition and was a formal induction into University life. He paid tribute to the founding fathers of the University and the special role they played in the development of Africa University. He urged the students to engage in responsible behaviour and be good custodians of their parents/guardians’/benefactors’ resources by remaining focused and responsible. The students were also urged to follow and commit to the guiding principles on which Africa University was founded. Meanwhile, the first semester of the 2013/2014 Academic Year are in full swing.
No comments:
Post a Comment