Members of the Pan African University Council Agree to Advance Higher Education Goals

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October 25, 2023

The Council meeting brought together AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, PAU leadership, host university chancellors, government representatives, Regional Economic Community delegates, and other stakeholders to discuss strategic plans and initiatives to further PAU’s mission of providing high-quality postgraduate education and building professional research capacity across Africa.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasized the importance of the Pan African University and its pivotal role in fostering human capital, youth exchange, and continental integration. He reviewed key challenges facing PAU including consolidation of the Rectorate, financial sustainability, infrastructure and equipment needs, accreditation, and operationalization of PAUSS, the fifth PAU Institute focused on space sciences. Prof. Belhocine called upon AU Member States and partners to provide greater support and advocacy for the University.

Prof. Kenneth Matengu, President of the PAU Council, officially opened the session highlighting the significance of having for the first time a full-time Rector appointed. He noted PAU's progress since its 2010 inception, including graduating over 1,500 Master's and 500 Ph.D. students from across Africa. Prof. Matengu appealed for expanded enrollment and investments to build PAU's capacity to convert Africa's natural resources into economic wealth through advanced education, science, technology and innovation.

The newly appointed PAU Rector, Prof. Jean Koulidiati, presented the University's 2022/2023 activity report and plans for 2024, including an operational plan, budget, recruitment targets, and audit implementation, just to name these few.

Fruitful discussions among participants reached to key resolutions, including reinforcing the PAU Rectorate, strengthening infrastructure and equipment, pursuing continental and international accreditation, and operationalizing the fifth PAU Institute hosted in South Africa.

Established by the African Union in 2010, the Pan African University aims to build high-level human capital and contribute to Africa’s growth by strengthening postgraduate training and collaborative research across the continent. The University currently operates four specialized Institutes in Basic Sciences, Governance and Regional International, Translation and Conference Interpreting, Life and Earth Sciences, and Water and Energy Sciences hosted across Africa.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Claudette Chancelle BILAMPASSI MOUTSATSI |

PAU Communication Officer| Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: BilampassiC@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.