Draft:ATAFOM University
ATAFOM UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL
Atlantic African Oriental Multicultural University, popularly known as ATAFOM University International (1), is a private University located in Bangui, Central African Republic, on a 707-hectare land (2). Its seven building complexes house the administrative and academic hubs. Each building complex has five buildings placed side by side, securely fenced and built with glass and solar cells (3). Aside from the main campus in Bangui, ATAFOM University International has Information Offices in seven countries: Nigeria, India, Turkey, Germany, Zambia and Togo. These offices serve as a rallying point for student recruitment, liaison, collaboration and the provision of valuable study resources (4).
HISTORY
The University, established in 2019, started with a pilot year in 2021 (5). It offers different bachelor's degree courses in three faculties: the Faculty of Arts (6), the Faculty of Information Technology (7) and the Faculty of Economics (8), while other faculties would be introduced in subsequent academic sessions. In addition, the University has a language academy known as ATAFOM Language Academy that trains students from non-English speaking countries to prepare for further studies in English (9). Seasoned professors and administrators from at least twelve countries collaborate in teaching, research and other duties (10). A wide range of academic opportunities are available, including part-time and full-time programs, distance learning; part-time and dual courses; online classes, internships and advanced training (11).
FOUNDATION AND MISSION
ATAFOM University International was established by Dr Sakir Yavuz, a philanthropist and cosmopolitan whose dream is to impact the lives of young people (12) (13). The University was established as a modern and dynamic concept of education with an unending development process where youths can flourish intellectually and professionally. Its mission is to deliver the best quality of international-level education that offers equal opportunities to all individuals. The University's slogan, "Education for Integration", is driven by integrity, excellence, service and teamwork.
ATAFOM University's key contribution to global educational advancement is the development of sustainable, multicultural, cross-denominational, and cross-gender integrative educational concepts. The main aim is to eliminate the discrimination faced by many young individuals and provide equal opportunities and access for all ages, gender, religion and race (14). ATAFOM University International provides scholarship opportunities for all of its students by waving the tuition and also provision of a work and study opportunity for deserving students (15) (16).
To enhance the quality of education delivered, ATAFOM University International has an in-built ATAFOM Online Campus (17) (18). This Online Campus offers online classrooms designed to fulfil all degree programmes and language training course requirements (19). The ATAFOM Online Campus thus offers an online platform for study enthusiasts and language learners from distinct countries to accomplish their dream of seeking knowledge.
In specific terms, ATAFOM University International sets to fulfil the following mission:
Integrate distinct cultures around the world with a vision to enrich every sect of the world's society. The University seeks to establish a multi-cultural platform where different cultures of the world are acknowledged. As a result, every young individual will get an equal opportunity to become a cosmopolitan and a valuable asset of today’s modern society. ATAFOM University International’s primary goal is to deliver the highest level of education and training to young individuals without cross-cultural or societal barriers. The University’s slogan “Education for Integration” reflects the vision of integrity, excellence, service, and teamwork. The ATAFOM University International functions intending to impart knowledge of the highest international standards. The University is committed to imbibing in every student humanitarian and social values along with a high level of mutual respect.
GRADING SYSTEM
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is used by ATAFOM University (20). It is a graded study framework based on the transparency of learning outcomes and learning processes, part of the European Student-Oriented System for the transfer and accumulation of study achievements (21). The European Higher Education sector uses the ECTS credit system, which is swiftly being adopted by universities on other continents as well. The only institution in Africa focused on the ECTS system is ATAFOM University ATAFOM University International is the first and only pilot project in the global arena to date which makes it the only ECTS-oriented university in the African continent. The University’s expenditure is fundamentally backed by the Ministry of Education of the Central African Republic (22). The vast curricula of ATAFOM University International are fully aligned with in the United States American, European, Asian, and African academic standards.
MEETINGS AND COLLABORATIONS
While domiciliating in the Central African Republic, ATAFOM University International’s major conviction is to have an international outlook. This has led to the establishment of several collaborations with universities across the different continents of the world (23). ATAFOM is in partnership with universities in Turkey (24) (25), Germany (26) (27), India, Nigeria (28), Togo (29) (30) (31) (32), Benin Republic and Central African Republic. The goal is to foster mutually beneficial goals in the promotion of standard education to the underprivileged population of the world. The partnership has resulted in the utilization of highly qualified faculty members among the universities and the provision of facilities to be benefitted by the collaborating universities.
REFERENCES
ATAFOM University International (2023). Homepage. Retrieved from https://atafom.university on 2023-12-06.
AUBSP (2023). List of all top universities in Central African Republic to study abroad. Retrieved from https://www.aubsp.com/universities-in-central-african-republic/ on 2023-12-06.
PR Log (June 30, 2022). ATAFOM University president and founder Sakir Yavuz visits the Central African Republic. Retrieved from https://www.prlog.org/12923228-atafom-university-president-and-founder-sakir-yavuz-visits-the-central-african-republic.html on 2023-08-16.
ISSUU (n.d). ATAFOM University newsletters. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/atafomuniv/docs/copy_of_newsletter_03_external_august_22_atafom_co on 2023-12-13.
ATAFOM University International (2023). Homepage. Retrieved from https://atafom.university on 2023-12-06.
ATAFOM University International (2023). Undergraduate program, Faculty of Arts. Retrieved from https://atafom.university/faculty-of-arts/ on 2023-12-08.
ATAFOM University International (2023). Undergraduate program, Faculty of Information Technology. Retrieved from https://atafom.university/faculty-of-information-technology/ on 2023-12-08.
ATAFOM University International (2023). Undergraduate program, Faculty of Economics. Retrieved from https://atafom.university/faculty-of-economics/ on 2023-12-08.
ATAFOM Language Academy (2023). Get to know us better: About us. Retrieved from https://atafomala.university/about-us/ on 2023-12-06.
ATAFOM University International (2023). ATAFOM academic staff. Retrieved from https://atafom.university/staff/ on 2023-12-06.
ATAFOM University International (2023). Learn more – IT certification courses. Retrieved from https://atafom.university/faculty-of-information-technology/ on 2023-12-08.
ATAFOM University International (2023). About the founder – Sakir Yavuz. Retrieved from https://atafom.university/about-us/ on 2023-12-06.
International Allstyle-Kickboxing Federation (n.d.). Der Präsident Dr. Sakir Yavuz. Retrieved from https://www.iafpage.org/präsident/ on 2023-07-20.
PR Log (June 30, 2022). ATAFOM University president and founder Sakir Yavuz visits the Central African Republic. Retrieved from https://www.prlog.org/12923228-atafom-university-president-and-founder-sakir-yavuz-visits-the-central-african-republic.html on 2023-08-16.
Fisher, K. (May 11, 2023). 100% Tuition Funded Atafom University – Central Africa Republic 2024. Retrieved from https://www.pickascholarship.com/scholarship/100-tuition-funded-atafom-university-central-africa-republic-2024/ on 2023-09-11.
ATAFOM University International (2023). Get to know us better: Scholarships. Retrieved from https://atafom.university/scholarships/ on 2023-12-06.
Staff 002 (n.d.). ATAFOM student portal. Retrieved form https://flatprofile.com/atafom-student-portal/ on 2023-11-23.
ATAFOM University International (2023). Retrieved from https://atafom.university/onlinecampus/ on 2023-12-12.
ATAFOM Language Academy (2023). Get to know us better: About us. Retrieved from https://atafomala.university/about-us/ on 2023-12-06.
ATAFOM University International (2023). Choice based credit system for B.A Media and Communication full-time programme. Retrieved from https://atafom.university/ba-media-and-communications/ on 2023-12-12.
European Education Area (n.d.). European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Retrieved from https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/inclusive-and-connected-higher-education/european-credit-transfer-and-accumulation-system on 2023-12-07. Agence Ecofin (February 24, 2023). Accord entre l’université de Lomé et l’université ATAFOM de Bangui pour améliorer la formation continue. Formation. Retrieved from https://www.agenceecofin.com/formation/2402-105884-accord-entre-l-universite-de-lome-et-l-universite-atafom-de-bangui-pour-ameliorer-la-formation-continue on 2023-06-25.
Accord avec l'ATAFOM de Centrafrique (February 23, 2023). Retrieved from https://www.republicoftogo.com/toutes-les-rubriques/education/accord-avec-l-atafom-de-centrafrique on 2023-12-08.
Istinye University Istanbul (November 22, 2022). Mutual Cooperation Meetings Held between Istinye University and ATAFOM University. Retrieved from https://www.istinye.edu.tr/en/haberler/mutual-cooperation-meetings-held-between-istinye-university-and-atafom-university on 2023-08-15.
Istanbul Ticaret University (November 29, 2022). ATAFOM University visited our University. Retrieved from https://ticaret.edu.tr/en/atafom-university-visited-our-university/ on 2023-12-12.
Nicelocal (n.d.). ATAFOM University. Retrieved from https://en.nicelocal.com.de/duesseldorf/education/atafom_university/ on 2023-12-11.
ATAFOM University, Düsseldorf (n.d.). retrieved from https://web2.cylex.de/firma-home/atafom-university-15425162.html on 2023-12-12.
ATAFOM University International seeks NUC’s nod on TNE (February 27, 2023). Retrieved from http://www.nuc.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/27th-Feb-2023-MB.pdf on 2023-09-27.
l’Université ATAFOM de Bangui et l’entreprise ATIME SA scellent un accord avec l’UL (February 27, 2023). Retrieved from https://228news.tg/luniversite-atafom-de-bangui-et-lentreprise-atime-sa-scellent-un-accord-avec-lul/ on 2023-09-27.
List of universities in Togo (n.d.). retrieved from https://myscholarshipbaze.com/list-of-universities-in-togo/ on 2023-11-15.
Agence Ecofin (February 24, 2023). Accord entre l’université de Lomé et l’université ATAFOM de Bangui pour améliorer la formation continue. Formation. Retrieved from https://www.agenceecofin.com/formation/2402-105884-accord-entre-l-universite-de-lome-et-l-universite-atafom-de-bangui-pour-ameliorer-la-formation-continue on 2023-06-25.
Université de Lomé (February 22, 2022). Coopération: ul, désormais partenaire de atime sa et de l’université atafom! Retrieved from https://univ-lome.tg/cooperation-ul-desormais-partenaire-de-atime-sa-et-de-luniversite-atafom on 2023-06-25.