AFRICA UNIVERSITY SHINES AT BISHOPS’ GATHERING IN LIBERIA

September 3, 2026September 3, 2026 Jeanette Dadzie

As Vice Chancellor Unveils New Academic Programmes as Alumni Network Tops 13,200

Monrovia, Liberia

The 2026 Africa College of Bishops gathering is currently underway in Monrovia, Liberia, from 31 August to 4 September 2026. The gathering, themed “Deepening Ecumenical Engagement, Expanding Continental Influence and Strengthening Institutional Sustainability,” is inspired by the biblical text from Isaiah 54:2: “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent.”

Africa University is represented by the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Peter Mageto, and the Director of Alumni, Internationalisation and Church Relations, Dr. Wehnam Dabale.

In his address, Prof. Mageto highlighted the remarkable growth of the university’s alumni community, which has expanded from an initial cohort of 27 students to over 13,200 graduates spread across Africa, North America and Asia. Notably, the alumni body includes Bishops of the United Methodist Church Africa College of Bishops, hailing from Mozambique (Bishop Sambo), Angola (Bishop Jungo), Burundi (Bishop Emmanuel), and two from the Democratic Republic of Congo (Bishop Muyombo and Bishop Ngoy).

On the third day of the gathering, 2 September 2026, the Vice Chancellor presented an update on the university’s status. He announced the approval of new programmes by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), including the introduction of a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, alongside the existing Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programme. He further noted that curriculum changes are underway for the Bachelor of Divinity, subject to Senate approval.

The College of Bishops expressed deep appreciation for the university’s commitment and growth, pledging continued support where necessary. Among the Bishops in attendance were Bishop Lunge (Chair of Africa University, Zimbabwe), Bishop Holston (Africa University, Tennessee), Bishop Machinga (MUMEC), and Bishop Emmanuel of Burundi, who serves as Finance Chair of Africa University, Zimbabwe.

From Left: Vice Chancellor Reverend Professor Peter Mageto, Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera (Africa University Board Member), Bishop Gift Kudakwashe Machinga (MUMEC Chair), Bishop Daniel Lunge (Africa University Board Chair), Bishop Gaspar Joao Domingos (Africa University Chancellor), Bishop Jonathan Holston (Africa University Tennessee Inc. Board Chair) and Dr, Wenham Dabale, Director of Alumni, Internationalization and Church Relations.

The programme continues to foster collaboration between the Church and the university, reinforcing their shared mission of developing servant leaders for Africa and beyond.