Solusi University hosts regional education summit

Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
THE regional summit on education being hosted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church kicked off at Solusi University in Bulilima District yesterday with high-level delegates from across Africa and beyond participating.

Running under the theme: “Educating for Mission”, the event aims to explore how Adventist institutions can strengthen their impact on education and future generations.

Proceedings began with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Vice-Chancellors from various universities, as well as college principals from institutions across Africa. Representatives from the Russian Federation also attended under the Pan-African Association of Adventist Universities and Colleges (PAUC).

During the meeting, Vice-Chancellors and educational leaders discussed strategies for optimising academic boards and governance structures to improve productivity.

Key topics included the composition of academic boards, balancing church principles with academic administration, conflict resolution, micromanagement, and governance dynamics.

Professor Emmanuel Kollie, president of PAUC, shared the association’s main goal of fostering effective partnerships among Adventist universities.

“We are concerned about partnership as universities. We understand how we operate within our policies and collaborate with one another so that our strength can transcend individual institutions, connecting with all Adventist institutions in Africa,” he said.

“Our current partnership is working well as we are getting to know each other, and we need to develop and leverage one another’s strengths. We aim to help weaker institutions grow and become stronger.”

Prof Kollie said PAUC prioritises collaboration, the sharing of best practices, and innovation. The gathering also primed the role of partnerships and technology in advancing Adventist education with a strong emphasis on faith-based collaboration and how member institutions can work together to reach young people effectively.

Meanwhile, the summit is expected to attract over 500 delegates, who are key stakeholders and educational officials from the Adventist Church across Africa. Delegates from the church’s four invited global divisions — the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID), East-Central Africa Division (ECD), West-Central Africa Division (WAD), and the South Pacific Division (SPD) are in attendance.

The event will transition to Victoria Falls from the 9th to the 11th of March.

Speaking to Chronicle, Dr Felix Njini, who is director of the education department for the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, emphasised the summit’s aim of addressing critical issues related to institutional governance, leadership, administration, and the growth of Adventist education globally.

“We are examining current trends and challenges within Adventist education, with plenary sessions focusing on the diverse educational contexts and ways to address these challenges,” he said.

Among the keynote global speakers is Dr Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Dr Hudson Kibuuka, and Dr Socrates Quaspe. These will share their extensive experience, equipping participants with valuable insights on mission growth, challenges, and initiatives within the church’s educational network.
Solusi University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Khumbulani Mpofu, said hosting such a prestigious summit was critical for delivering education that shapes the head, heart, and hands of future leaders.

“We must collaborate globally to ensure a future-ready workforce that is creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial,” he said.

Prof Mpofu said Solusi was working with partners to provide a truly authentic Zimbabwean experience while incorporating Education 5.0 — a model that focuses on innovation, industry partnerships, and modern education strategies.

Located in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, Solusi University’s revitalisation is expected to make a significant contribution to the district and the country’s educational landscape.