History of Africa University

[edited from Wikipedia]  In 1984, two African bishops, Bishop Emilio J. M. de Carvalho of Angola and Bishop Arthur F. Kulah of Liberia, with the support of thousands of African Methodists, issued the call to create Africa University. A plan for the United Methodist-related university, to be located in Zimbabwe, was presented to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in October 1987.  At the 1988 General Conference, United Methodists overwhelmingly accepted the proposal to begin the university. On April 6, 1991, thousands of people from throughout Zimbabwe watched as the groundbreaking ceremony took place and one acacia tree was planted at the Old Mutare Mission site of Africa University. In January 1992, President Robert Mugabe granted Africa University’s Charter by official proclamation. This is an African initiative, with African Methodists serving with United Methodists from all over the world to develop an institution for all of Africa.

Funding for Africa University is a two-part $20 million effort every four years. Ten million is apportioned to the 34,000+ United Methodist churches. The apportioned dollars provide for the day-to-day operating expenses of the university. The second ten million is raised through World Service Special Gifts for a permanent endowment. The interest and earnings on the permanent endowment provide for scholarships and other financial aid for students as well as meet new and emerging programmatic needs of the university.