KABWE, ZAMBIA — The University of Kabwe (UniKa) has taken a bold step toward global academic positioning, hosting a high-level strategic engagement with Dr. Akanimo Odon, Head of African Strategic Partnerships at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom — one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities.
The meeting brought together senior members of UniKa’s leadership, including Board Chairperson Mrs. Chilina Mathews, Board Member Bishop Oscar Mumba, Vice Chancellor Dr. Eng. Lukumba Phiri, and FlexiLearn International Senior Vice President Dr. Nellie Kangwa, alongside academic and administrative staff. The engagement was centred on aligning UniKa’s growth trajectory with global best practices in higher education, research, innovation and international collaboration.
Who is Dr. Akanimo Odon?
Dr. Odon is an internationally respected education strategist and partnership expert with over two decades of experience spanning Africa and the United Kingdom. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has facilitated the development of more than 100 strategic partnerships between African and UK institutions, delivered advisory support and programmes across more than 30 African countries, and guided universities and organisations on internationalisation strategies, research funding and innovation frameworks.
He has also led initiatives that connect academia, industry and policy in pursuit of sustainable development, and serves as the founder of several global education initiatives. His consultancy work spans education, energy and development sectors — making him one of the most well-connected figures in the Africa-UK higher education space.
What Was Discussed
During the meeting, Dr. Odon outlined the key priorities he considers essential for African universities seeking to build globally competitive institutions. These included strengthening international partnership and collaboration networks, promoting innovation in programme delivery, enhancing graduate employability through practical and relevant skills development, and aligning academic programmes with the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
The discussions resonated strongly with UniKa’s own institutional direction. The university has been deliberate in its pursuit of industry-responsive, skills-oriented education — a philosophy embedded in its five academic schools and reflected in its expanding range of undergraduate programmes offered under both Full-Time and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modes.
UniKa’s Broader Positioning
This engagement forms part of a wider strategy by UniKa to strengthen its academic credibility and international standing. The university already maintains a collaborative relationship with the University of Zambia (UNZA), which provides affiliation support for several of its Education school programmes, and is also aligned with the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) — ensuring that its Business and Leadership programmes meet professional accreditation standards.
As a registered institution with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) of Zambia, UniKa’s pursuit of a Lancaster University connection signals its intent to operate not just as a national institution but as one with a credible place in the global higher education conversation.
“This engagement represents a significant step in UniKa’s journey toward becoming a globally connected and academically competitive institution,” a university spokesperson said. “We are committed to ensuring that our students benefit from international-quality education — right here in Kabwe.”
Applications for the June 2026 intake are currently open. Scholarships of up to 100% tuition are available for qualifying students. For more information, visit www.unika.edu.zm, email academic@unika.edu.zm or call +260 779 200176 | +260 963 339259.