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FORWARD
University
An international student team, instructor and community partner discussing a civic technology prototype
About Forward

An institution built like a manifesto.

Forward exists to graduate the people Africa needs in the next twenty-five years.

Mission, vision and values

01

Mission

Educate for what's next.

To prepare a generation of African graduates whose work will matter on a global stage, across technology, science, the arts, governance and enterprise.

02

Vision

A continent that builds.

An Africa where the most ambitious people in the world come to learn how to build the next chapter of the planet's economy and culture.

03

Values

Forward, together.

Motion over perfection. Craft over credential. Service over status. Community over ego.

The Forward Philosophy

Move with purpose. Build with care. Graduate with momentum.

01

Build, don't just study

Every programme has a public-facing capstone. Students ship work the world can use before they graduate.

02

Studios over lecture halls

Our default classroom is a working studio. Lectures exist where they belong, as a small part of a much bigger learning surface.

03

Africa as the protagonist

Our case studies, datasets, partners and questions begin on this continent, and connect to the world from here.

Timeline

From idea to institution.

  1. 012022

    Founding charter signed

    Forward is incorporated as a private not-for-profit higher education institution.

  2. 022023

    Campus master plan unveiled

    Three-phase architectural vision approved by the founding board.

  3. 032024

    First cohort admitted

    1,200 students join across four pioneer schools.

  4. 042025

    Phase 1 Academic Tower opens

    Studios, labs and the first seminar rooms come online.

  5. 052026

    Forward Theater inaugurated

    The copper-shell auditorium hosts the first public graduation.

  6. 062028

    Phase 3 Research Tower

    Postgraduate research and the Sky Boardroom complete the spine.

Leadership

The team carrying it forward.

PL
01

Prof. Lawrence Muganga

Vice-Chancellor

DO
02

Dr. Olumide Bakare

Provost

PK
03

Prof. Khadija Lamine

Dean of Research

MS
04

Mr. Sandile Ndlovu

Registrar

PG
05

Prof. Grace Acheng

Dean of Students

MA
06

Mr. Anwar Rashid

CFO & Director of Operations

A graduate showing a digital capability record to an employer
What matters is not the ceremony, but the work a graduate can show and defend.