“What if I told you that this university started with just an idea?” That idea blossomed into the Victoria Falls University of Technology. This university stands as a beacon of technological entrepreneurship right here in Livingstone.
Victoria Falls University of Technology. VFU is its abbreviation. It is Zambia’s first private science university. It opened its doors in January 2010. The university addresses Zambia’s growing need for science and technology skills. It also helps strengthen the national economy.
The development of VFU coincided with the government’s focus on science. Technology and innovation are driving forces in national development. The university has three campuses. They include the Nakatindi Road Campus, the Kazungula Campus, and the Livingstone Campus.
The main campus is on Nakatindi Road. It is three kilometers from the center of Livingstone City. It was once part of Coillard Primary School. The school was built in the early nineteen fifties. It was named after a famous Scottish explorer. He visited this part of Africa in the nineteenth century. Part of the school still exists. It was renamed Mulwani Basic School after independence. The trade school was renamed Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering. In 1995 it moved to a site adjacent to its old campus. Victoria Falls University of Technology then rented the campus. It was renamed the Nakatindi Road Campus.
VFU is strategically located. It is at the gateway to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. VFU is in Livingstone. Livingstone is the home of Victoria Falls. It is the tourist capital of Zambia.
The Victoria Falls University of Technology offers programs in several schools. These are the School of Information Communication and Engineering. Also the School of Education. Then the School of Tourism, Languages and Arts. The School of Business and Financial Management is very popular. And finally the School of Law.
The Victoria Falls University of Technology’s vision is clear. It aims to be one of the top universities of science and technology in Africa. It is devoted to the advancement of technological entrepreneurship. Its mission is to prepare men and women for leadership roles. It wants to motivate them into wealth creation. Science and Technology will enable this.
The university operates as an entrepreneurial institution. It establishes multiple funding avenues. This complements tuition fees. It finances its primary mandate. This mandate includes creating knowledge through research. The university also disseminates the results. It applies the knowledge gained from that research.
Notable achievements include partnership agreements. These are with reputable international companies and universities.
In July, Zambia welcomed its first private university for science and technology. Gertrude Akapelwa-Ehueni is the chief executive officer. She said the idea was prompted by the shortage of science and technology skills in Zambia. An initial investment was made in the project. It was fully financed by private individuals, including Ehueni herself.
The opening of Victoria Falls University of Technology was a step towards development. Zambia’s economy would grow through science and technology. The first phase of construction involved the renovation of the former Livingstone Institute.
As you stand here today consider the impact. Victoria Falls University of Technology has on Zambia. It empowers individuals. It drives economic growth. The Victoria Falls University of Technology embodies progress. It symbolizes a brighter future for Africa.