The University of Kalemie (UNIKAL) is celebrating a milestone this year, reaching its twentieth anniversary. This institution of higher education, founded in 2004 as an extension of the University of Lubumbashi, has undergone remarkable growth, eventually becoming autonomous in 2010. The Rector of UNIKAL, Professor Victor Kalunga Tshikala, highlighted at a commemorative dinner the significant progress of the university, which currently has over 2,400 students in eight faculties.
One of the notable features of UNIKAL is its use of the expertise of visiting professors from other academic institutions in the country. This approach fosters an enrichment of knowledge and teaching methods within the university. As part of its twentieth anniversary, the Rector expressed the wish to strengthen partnerships with other institutions, both public and private, in order to further stimulate academic excellence and modernize existing infrastructure.
UNIKAL’s commitment to international cooperation is also highlighted, with the signing of partnership agreements with renowned universities, notably in Brazil, Russia and with the Official University of Bukavu. These cross-border collaborations offer opportunities for enriching cultural and academic exchanges for UNIKAL students and faculty.
UNIKAL’s twentieth anniversary symbolizes an important milestone in its journey, marked by notable achievements and promising development prospects. This special occasion also provides a platform to encourage the continued commitment of institutional and private partners in supporting the university’s educational and research initiatives. By celebrating this significant moment, UNIKAL affirms its desire to establish itself sustainably in the Congolese and international university landscape, as a place of academic excellence and scientific influence.