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University of Kinshasa

Coordinates: 4°25′10″S 15°18′35″E / 4.41944°S 15.30972°E / -4.41944; 15.30972
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University of Kinshasa
Université de Kinshasa
MottoScientia Splendet et Conscientia
Latin
Motto in English
"Science shines and so does conscience"
TypePublic
Established1954; 70 years ago (1954)
RectorJean-Marie Kayembe Ntumba
(since 2021)
Academic Secretary GeneralEustache Banza Nsomwe-A-Nfunkwa
Academic staff
1,929[1]
Students29,554[1]
Location
Kinshasa
,
Congo
Colours    Red, yellow and blue
Websitewww.unikin.ac.cd

The University of Kinshasa (French: Université de Kinshasa), colloquially known by its acronym UNIKIN, is a public university located in Kinshasa's Lemba commune within the western region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[2][3][4] It is the country's premier university.[5] Initially established in 1954 as Lovanium University during Belgian colonial rule, the current university was established following the division of the National University of Zaire (UNAZA) in 1981.[6][7]

The university had an enrollment of 29,554 and a faculty and research staff of 1,929 in the 2018–19 academic year,[1] and currently has twelve academic divisions.[8] The Notre-Dame de la Sagesse is strategically located on the campus and provides pastoral ministries to professors and students.

Campus

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The university is located about 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of central Kinshasa, in the suburb of Lemba.[9]

Many of the campus facilities have deteriorated and are in poor condition, or lack proper instructional tools - in 2003, the science library had as few as 300 titles in its collection.[9] Since 2001, the university has hosted Cisco Academy, a joint project sponsored by the American software company Cisco and the United Nations Development Programme. The academy focuses on providing recent technology, training students to install and operate computer networks and all coursework is online.[9]

History

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Lovanium University

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The university was established in 1954 as Lovanium University by Belgian colonial authorities following criticism that they had done too little to educate the Congolese people. The university was originally affiliated with the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. When it opened, the university received heavy subsidies from the colonial government[10] and funding from the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development and was lauded as the best university in Africa.[11]

National University of Zaire

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The Rectorat, main administrative building at the University of Kinshasa

In 1971, under the authoritarian regime of President Mobutu Sese Seko, a significant reform of the higher education sector was implemented in Zaire.[12] This restructuring sought to amalgamate all public universities into a cohesive entity known as the National University of Zaire (Université Nationale du Zaïre; UNAZA).[12][10] Although the reform was presented as a measure to rectify systemic inefficiencies and align academic programs with the socio-economic and political objectives of the post-independence nation, it was heavily influenced by Mobutu's totalitarian principles that prioritized state regulation at the expense of academic freedom and institutional independence.[12] The reorganization entailed the merger of Lovanium University with the Protestant University in the Congo and the University of Lubumbashi.[10][11] Academic programs were standardized into a three-tier structure: a three-year undergraduate cycle, a two-year master's degree, and doctoral studies.[12] During this time, the university severed its ties with the Catholic University of Leuven, and funding began to drop precipitously. The institution's infrastructure was only capable of accommodating 5,000 students, leading to significant capacity challenges amidst rising enrollment demands.[10]

The centralized governance of UNAZA, managed by a single rectorate, placed all faculty and staff under federal payroll.[10] While this system was intended to enhance national integration and promote standardized scientific research, it ultimately subordinated the educational agenda to Mobutu's political objectives.[12] Ideological conformity supplanted academic innovation, undermining the university's ability to develop practical skills and foster expertise in fields critical for national progress.[12]

Despite its lofty aspirations, the 1971 reform faced financial challenges, compounded by widespread corruption, which led to chronic underfunding of the higher education system.[12] By 1977, the university grappled with deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate research facilities, and stagnating academic standards.[12] Faculty members frequently protested against inadequate salaries, while students experienced overcrowded classrooms and limited access to resources. These systemic issues culminated in a marked decline in the quality of education.[12] The state's inability to expand the system in tandem with the country's population growth resulted in a bottleneck that stifled the development of Zaire's human capital.[12] The erosion of academic autonomy, coupled with bureaucratic inefficiency, entrenched educational stagnation, leaving a legacy of unmet potential that persisted well into subsequent years.[12]

By 1981, the centralized system became too burdensome and the decision was made to re-establish the three separate institutions: the University of Kinshasa, Kisangani University, and the University of Lubumbashi.

Decline in funding

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Newly independent, the University of Kinshasa continued to struggle financially throughout the 1980s. By 1985, the campus was in decline, strewn with trash and the dormitories in poor condition. The university's cafeteria stopped serving meals and pay for professors slipped as low as $15.[11]

In response to declining government funds, tuition was raised 500 percent in 1985,[13] and in 1989, deeper cuts were made, with the suspension of nearly all scholarships and financial aid and institution of new fees. Through the 1980s, as much as 90 percent of the university's budget was paid for by the government, with only a small amount of revenues coming from student tuition. By 2002, the government only contributed $8,000 (USD) of the university's estimated $4.3 million annual budget (not including some personnel costs which are paid directly by the state).[10]

Rehabilitation

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Student homes

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On 9 December 2015, students appealed for the renovation of several heavily deteriorated homes, including homes x, xx, xxx, 150, 80, Vatican, and eight others.[14] These aging structures built decades ago, required significant exterior and interior refurbishment to ensure their structural integrity and overall condition. Erosion also posed a threat to some of these homes.[14] The Office of Roads and Drainage (OVD), supported by government funds, was actively engaged in addressing erosion issues in the "trafic" area at UNIKIN. This initiative involved backfilling with earth and constructing gutters to control existing erosion affecting houses opposite UNIKIN. Torrential rains had further exacerbated access routes to this area, particularly at the Plateau des résidences des enseignants.[14]

On 10 February 2020, President Félix Tshisekedi launched initiatives to enhance the housing conditions, with a specific focus on rehabilitating student residences.[15] This initiative followed the displacement of over 6,412 students who were forced to leave their accommodations after altercations with the police in early January 2020.[15] The students' protest against the increased academic fees led to a suspension of academic activities. The renovation project was administered by the Intendance Générale (IG), the Entreprise Générale de Construction de Kinshasa (EGECOK), and a company referred to as the "Contractor".[15] UNIKIN's administrative secretary general, Godefroid Kabengele Dibwe, reported that 12 out of 14 residences had been rehabilitated and were awaiting furnishing for student accommodation.[15] After almost four years of closure, the UNIKIN's Management Committee reopened the student residences on 3 October 2023.[16]

Omnisport complex

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On 1 March 2022, UNIKIN's rector Jean-Marie Kayembe Ntumba, received a delegation from the Ministry of Finance, Nicolas Kazadi. The meeting, held near the office of the Minister of Finance, marked the commencement of the rehabilitation and modernization project of the UNIKIN Omnisport complex, which was in a severely dilapidated condition.[17] The projected timeframe for the work exceeded ten months and involved the refurbishment of the swimming pool and its facilities, the grandstand, changing rooms, the machine room, electrification, renewal of floor and wall ceramics, earthenware, and equipment for the improved functioning of the Olympic-sized swimming pool.[17] Nicolas also announced plans to upgrade the large stadium to international standards, featuring a synthetic turf playing area and stabilized embankments. Additionally, two annex stadiums were to be constructed, along with a protective wall and embankments for the basketball-volleyball and tennis-handball stadium, and a drainage network for all the grounds leading to the outlet on the Kimwenza road.[17]

Internal road

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On 8 December 2022, Jean-Marie Kayembe Ntumba officially inaugurated the rehabilitation works of the internal roads at the site, pre-financed by EGECOK, which was carrying out these works in a short period of time, in consideration of the upcoming Jeux de la Francophonie.[18]

Nuclear reactor

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Main article: Regional Center for Nuclear Studies

The first nuclear reactor in Africa was built at the University of Kinshasa in 1958. The reactor, known as TRICO I, is a TRIGA reactor built by General Atomics. TRICO stands for a combination of TRIGA or “Training Isotopes General Atomic” and Congo.[19] The reactor was built while the country was still under Belgian control, and with the assistance of the United States government, under the Atoms For Peace program. TRIGA I was estimated to have a 50-kilowatt capacity and was shut down in 1970. In 1967, the African Union established a nuclear research center, the Regional Center for Nuclear Studies and the United States agreed to provide another TRIGA reactor. The second reactor, TRICO II, is believed to have a one-megawatt capacity and was brought online in 1972.[20]

In 2001, the TRICO II reactor was reported to be operational,[20] but was apparently put on standby in 1998.[21] The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo stopped funding the program in the late 1980s, and the United States has since refused to ship replacement parts.

International observers have long been concerned about the safety and security of the two nuclear reactors and the enriched uranium they contain.

Faculties and divisions

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Professors of the university in academic dress

There are twelve academic divisions at the university:[8]

Rankings

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In the 2022 Eduranking, the university achieved a ranking of 62 out of 1,104 African universities.[5] According to this ranking, UNIKIN holds the top position among the six higher education and university institutions in Kinshasa.[5] Nationally, it leads the selection of 25 universities, and globally, it holds the 3063rd position out of 14,131 evaluated establishments.[5]

Public figures

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Former teachers

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Main pages: Category:Academic staff of the University of Kinshasa and Category:Lovanium University people

Notable alumni

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Main page: Category:University of Kinshasa alumni

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Université de Kinshasa". Southern African Regional Universities Association. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
  2. ^ Famas, Jean-Pierre Masukesa Kilundu (2010). "Projet de création de la radio campus de l'université de Kinshasa, éléments de la grille des programmes et attente du public" [Project to create the campus radio of the University of Kinshasa, elements of the program schedule and public expectations] (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: University of Kinshasa. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  3. ^ Kabwatila, Hervé (26 May 2023). "9ème Jeux de la Francophonie : le bourgmestre de la commune de Lemba promet de sécuriser les sites de l'Université de Kinshasa exposés à l'insécurité urbaine" [9th Francophone Games: the mayor of the commune of Lemba promises to secure the sites of the University of Kinshasa exposed to urban insecurity]. Mediacongo.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  4. ^ N'gondi, Gogo Muangisa (2005). "Prévention du VIH/ sida à l'université de Kinshasa. Expérience de l'ONG G. R. A. I. M (Groupe de Réflexion, d'Action et d'Information Médicale)" [HIV/AIDS prevention at the University of Kinshasa. Experience of the NGO GRAI M (Group for Reflection, Action and Medical Information)] (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Institut National des Arts. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d Ngiambukulu, Orly-Darel (23 October 2022). "L'UNIKIN dans le Top 100 des universités africaines les mieux cotées (Classement EDURANKING 2022)" [UNIKIN in the Top 100 Highest Rated African Universities (EDURANKING 2022 Ranking)]. 7sur7.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  6. ^ "Offres d'emploi: les meilleures opportunités en Afrique - Jeune Afrique.com". Jeune Afrique (in French). Paris, France. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  7. ^ "Présentation de l'Unikin". Université de Kinshasa (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Facultés" (in French). University of Kinshasa. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
  9. ^ a b c "Light in the Harvard of darkness", The Economist, Westminster, London, England, United Kingdom, p. 41, 5 July 2003, retrieved 8 August 2013
  10. ^ a b c d e f World Bank (2005). Education In the Democratic Republic of Congo. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Publications. pp. 102–122. ISBN 9780821361214.
  11. ^ a b c Greenhouse, Steven (June 2, 1988). "Kinshasa Journal; Hunger Competes With a Thirst for Knowledge". The New York Times. New York. pp. Section A, Page 4, Column 3, Foreign Desk.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Nyembo, Théodore Bahimba (2011). "Mission des institutions d'enseignement supérieur et universitaire et les attentes de la population en cité d'Uvira, RDC" [Mission of higher education and university institutions and the expectations of the population in the city of Uvira, DRC] (in French). Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Université Officielle de Bukavu. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  13. ^ Greenhouse, Steven (May 22, 1985). "18 Months of Harsh Austerity Bring Indications of a Turnaround to Zaire; High Price Exacted By Lauded Reforms". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. pp. First Section, A23.
  14. ^ a b c "Plaidoyer pour la réhabilitation des homes de l'Unikin" [Plea for the rehabilitation of Unikin homes]. Mediacongo.net (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 10 December 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  15. ^ a b c d Kantanga, Bill (25 June 2021). "RDC: Les travaux de réhabilitation des homes des étudiants de l'Université de Kinshasa sont aux arrêts depuis 3 mois sans raison motivée" [DRC: Rehabilitation work on student homes at the University of Kinshasa has been at a standstill for 3 months without any reason]. Oeildupeuple.com (in French). Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  16. ^ Tshimueneka, Nancy Clemence (7 November 2023). "Unikin: les étudiantes saluent l'ouverture des homes mais s'inquiètent de la majoration des frais de logement" [Unikin: Students welcome the opening of homes but are concerned about the increase in housing costs]. Actualite.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  17. ^ a b c "Réhabilitation du complexe sportif de l'Université de Kinshasa" [Rehabilitation of the sports complex of the University of Kinshasa]. Université de Kinshasa (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  18. ^ "Lancé officiellement des travaux de réhabilitation de la voirie interne de l'Unikin" [Officially launched work to rehabilitate the internal roads of Unikin]. Université de Kinshasa (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 9 December 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  19. ^ 1952-2002 SCK•CEN (PDF). ISBN 9076971056. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-22. Retrieved 2012-05-16.
  20. ^ a b "Congo Special Weapons". globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
  21. ^ McGreal, Chris (November 23, 2006). "Missing keys, holes in fence and a single padlock: welcome to Congo's nuclear plant". London: The Guardian. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2010.

Further reading

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  • Tsakala Munikengi, Télésphore; Bongo-Pasi Moke Sangol, Willy (2004). "The Diplomatic Paradox: University of Kinshasa between Crisis and Salvation". In Trefon, Theodore (ed.). Reinventing Order in Congo: How People Respond to State Failure in Kinshasa. London: Zed Books. pp. 82–98. ISBN 1842774905.

See also

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