University Of Lusaka (UNILUS): A Growing Force in African Research and Education
By Prof. Pinalo Chifwanakeni, Vice-Chancellor
Higher education is changing rapidly across Africa as universities take on a wider role in preparing skilled professionals, generating relevant research and contributing to national development. In Zambia, the University of Lusaka (UNILUS) has grown with this changing landscape, developing from a small institution into a multi-campus university with programmes spanning business, law, technology, medicine, health sciences and social sciences.
Alongside its academic expansion, the University has been placing greater emphasis on research, innovation, postgraduate education and partnerships that connect academic knowledge with practical needs.
From a Small Institution to a Multi-Disciplinary University
The story of UNILUS began in 2007, when Professor Pinalo Chifwanakeni established the Institute of Corporate Training and Applied Research in Lusaka with 71 MBA students. The institution became a registered university in January 2008 and introduced its first bachelor's degree programmes during the same year. Since then, the University has continued to expand its campuses, programmes and student community, with Pioneer Campus opening in 2012 and Leopards Hill Campus following in 2018.
Today, UNILUS has five schools covering disciplines including business, law, technology and social sciences, medicine and health sciences, as well as postgraduate education. Its programmes range from undergraduate courses to master's and doctoral studies, allowing students to continue their academic journey within the same institution.
A significant recent development has been the growth of Silverest Campus, which brings together academic facilities, student accommodation, research infrastructure and the University of Lusaka Teaching Hospital. The development has added an important dimension to the University's work in medicine and health sciences by bringing education, clinical training and healthcare closer together.
UNILUS programmes range from undergraduate courses to master's and doctoral studies, allowing students to continue their academic journey within the same institution
Research Linked to Zambia's Development Needs
Research at UNILUS is increasingly focused on issues that have practical relevance for Zambia and the wider region. The University works across areas including finance and accounting, business and management, economics and development, technology and data science, health and biomedical sciences, engineering, environmental sustainability, education, law and governance, and quantitative methods.
The breadth of these areas reflects the nature of the challenges facing African economies. Digital transformation, healthcare, climate change, economic development and public policy cannot always be addressed through one discipline, making collaboration between different areas of expertise increasingly important.
Adding to this research profile is UNILUS's participation in three ongoing European Union-funded projects: SmartVille, Digitree and SARUA EngageSDG. Supported through European Commission grants, the projects have total budgets of EUR 800,000, EUR 191,520.98 and EUR 799,999 respectively. Their implementation reflects the University's growing participation in externally funded research and international collaborative initiatives, strengthening its ability to connect academic expertise with wider development priorities.
“The University is also strengthening postgraduate research through master's and doctoral programmes, while developing laboratories, digital research resources and other infrastructure needed to support academic work. Its research efforts are intended not only to add to existing knowledge but also to provide evidence that can support policy, improve professional practice and contribute to solutions for communities and businesses”, says Prof. Pinalo Chifwanakeni, Vice-Chancellor.
Connecting Students with the World Beyond the Classroom
For UNILUS, research and education are closely connected to industry, government and professional practice. Engagement with businesses and professional organisations helps the University understand changing workplace requirements and supports opportunities such as internships, clinical placements, industrial attachments, mentorship and collaborative projects.
Government engagement provides another avenue through which academic expertise can contribute to national priorities. Research and professional knowledge in areas such as healthcare, education, governance, environmental sustainability, business and technology can support more informed decision-making and strengthen the relationship between higher education and national development.
International partnerships also form part of the University's approach to academic and research development. Collaborations with institutions including Stellenbosch University in South Africa, Riga Technical University in Latvia, the University of South Carolina in the United States and Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in China create opportunities for research collaboration, academic exchange, mobility and knowledge sharing. Such relationships also give students and faculty exposure to different academic environments and perspectives.
Preparing Students for a Changing Economy
Technology is reshaping both education and employment, and UNILUS is responding by expanding its focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, information technology and digital systems. These subjects sit alongside established programmes in business, law, economics and health, giving students opportunities to develop skills relevant to both traditional professions and emerging areas of work.
“The University's approach also places value on practical learning. Research projects, internships, clinical experience, community engagement and industry exposure can help students understand how concepts learned in classrooms are applied in professional settings. Entrepreneurship and innovation further encourage students to think about creating solutions and opportunities rather than limiting their ambitions to conventional career paths”, mentions Prof. Pinalo Chifwanakeni.
Looking Towards Greater Research Impact
UNILUS has reached an important stage in its development, with a broader academic portfolio, expanding research activity and significant investment in infrastructure. The next phase will require the University to build deeper research partnerships, strengthen postgraduate research, attract greater external funding and ensure that its research continues to respond to issues affecting Zambia and Africa.
“Our long-term direction is centred on becoming an institution where education, research and innovation reinforce one another. By strengthening research capacity while maintaining close links with industry, government and international academic communities, UNILUS can create more opportunities for students and researchers to contribute to meaningful work”, says Prof. Pinalo Chifwanakeni.
The University's journey from an institution that began with 71 MBA students to a multi-disciplinary university reflects sustained growth over less than two decades. Its future, however, will depend not simply on further expansion, but on how effectively it converts that growth into knowledge, skills and solutions that serve society. With research and innovation becoming increasingly important to Africa's development, UNILUS is building the academic and institutional foundation to play a meaningful role in that future.