Picture the scene. You are standing in front of the Adventist University of Central Africa in Kigali. This is the university that serves as the largest Adventist institution in French-speaking Africa. This towering landmark is a testament to the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to education and the importance of faith-based learning. The university was founded in 1978. It officially opened its doors on October 15, 1984. Its original campus was located in Mudende in Gisenyi, but it closed for a period of time due to turmoil in the country, reopening again in 1996 in Kigali.
The history of the university is intertwined with the history of Rwanda. The campus at Mudende had to be evacuated in 1994 due to the genocide against the Tutsi. After the conflict, a new campus was built in Gishushu, and a stunning new science center was inaugurated in 2015. After selling the old Mudende campus to the Rwandan government, the university was able to secure a 22-hectare site for a new campus in Masoro. This site features spacious halls and cutting-edge technology. It was inaugurated in 2011.
The university has had its challenges, but it has persevered, now offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines. It is accredited by the Higher Education Council and enjoys high esteem in the region. As you stand there, surrounded by the bustling energy of the university, you can almost feel the dedication among the students and faculty. The Adventist University of Central Africa is a beacon of hope and progress in Rwanda, and a testament to the strength of education and faith.