BUJUMBURA, February 7th (ABP) – The rector of Hope Africa University (UEA), Servilien Nitunga, held a press conference in Bujumbura on 30 January 2025 to announce the celebration of UEA’s 25th anniversary, coupled with the presentation of diplomas to the graduates of the 20th class.
Nitunga pointed out that, over those 25 years, UEA has supported Burundian students, giving them access to higher education so that they can become well-trained managers. More than 10,000 students have graduated, including around 400 in medicine and 800 in nursing.
He also pointed out that the university has worked to meet the challenges of the country’s development, while contributing to the consolidation of peace through leadership training and changing the mindset of Burundians in favour of development.
As part of its commitment to quality and accessible education, UEA plans to conduct in-depth research to identify national development challenges. To promote quality education, UEA has welcomed visiting professors from abroad to enhance the teaching skills of teachers, lecturers and training engineers.
Nitunga also explained that the university aims to become a bridge, particularly through action research, in order to contribute to government, development partners, the private sector and local authorities, using a well-adapted “project bank”.
He also mentioned the reinforcement of the research centres already established in Rukaramu, focusing on rice farming, in Buringa, devoted to small livestock farming, and in Mubimbi, which will be dedicated to adapted farming practices and livestock farming.
Looking to the future, Nitunga announced that UEA plans to strengthen its educational offering by opening new programmes, including a master’s programme, and preparing to establish doctoral schools in the fields of theology, health, computer sciences and new technologies.
Note that the open days will begin on 4 February and end on 7 February 2025. Those silver jubilee festivities will be crowned by the graduation of more than 2,000 students.