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Vice Chancellor Murapa to step down

At the Executive Committee of the Africa University Board of Directors in London, England on October 10, 2007, Prof. Rukudzo Murapa took the initiative to inform the committee that he will end his tenure as Vice Chancellor and CEO of Africa University on February 29, 2008. At the November 2007 board meeting, the institution’s Board of Directors will present an interim plan for the running of the institution effective January 1, 2008.

“In regard to his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Africa University, Professor Murapa has rendered an outstanding service that has led to the development of Africa University, from which all African people can take pride,” said Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo, the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board. “He has borne in his heart and proven through his efforts, that he has a profound love for this University,” said Bishop Ntambo above.

Below : Prof. Rukudzo Murapa (right), with his
wife, Helen Murapa (left) and former Mozambican
President Joaquim Chissano
“ P r o f e s s o r Murapa has been a man of vision, knowing where to pull forth Africa University. He must be thanked
for his deep and sound sense of diplomacy which has largely profited the University and which has helped to open up contacts with a diverse group of institutions, diplomatic missions, organizations, universities and NGOs worldwide.” “I have had the opportunity to work with Prof Murapa, first as my Professor at the University of Zimbabwe and then to serve on his Board,” said Mrs. Grace Muradzikwa the Board’s Secretary. “It takes a truly magnanimous leader to be able to do
this. He is a leader who lived in the future…Always seeing beyond the present. His contributions in developing Africa University will be felt well into the next millennium.” Murapa joined United Methodist-related Africa University as its Chief Executive in March 1998. However, his involvement with the institution dates back to its inception. Prior to joining Africa University as its Vice Chancellor, Murapa chaired the international planning committee which oversaw the development and launch of the Faculty of Management & Administration. Under Murapa’s leadership, Africa University has grown in both stature and impact and evolved into the ‘university of choice’ in Zimbabwe and for an increasing number of students from throughout the region.

The University’s enhanced performance and growing reputation are based on strong research output, training and
c o m m u n i t y engagement. In particular, Murapa has encouraged faculty and students to work at the community level on efforts to solve problems, improve quality of life and bring about sustainable development. Model initiatives include a broad-based collaboration with the United Movement to End Child Soldiering, (UMECS), on rehabilitation, advocacy,
support and education for former child soldiers and abductees in northern Uganda.

“Throughout his tenure, Vice Chancellor Murapa has made significant contributions that have established a strong foundation for the present and future development of Africa University,” said Dr. Jerome King Delpino, general secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. “In concert with the Board of Directors, the faculty, staff and students, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry looks forward to building on these accomplishments as we experience this transition in leadership. I am strongly persuaded that the University’s
continued development and sustainability will remain a high priority for The United Methodist Church as it extends
its global commitment through higher education to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by developing leaders for the African continent,” said Delpino.

Africa University was in its sixth year of operation when Prof. Murapa took over from the founding vice chancellor, Prof. John W. Z. Kurewa. He joined an institution with a solid foundation—four faculties, 41 faculty members and 600
students and presided over an aggressive expansion programme. The University’s student population has more than doubled since 1998, to its current level of 1395 students. Demographic diversity has increased significantly in spite of challenges related to the increasing cost of private higher education in Africa. New graduate programmes in the
areas of peace, leadership and governance and public sector management have helped the University to draw students
from 25 African countries and almost triple its international student numbers.

New infrastructure development includes the state-of-the-art Jokomo Yamada Library and adjacent Information and Communications Technology Centre as well as buildings for the Faculties of Theology and Health Sciences and the Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance. On campus housing for students has increased from seven to 12 residence halls with a 976-bed capacity.