Association of African Universities AAU

Overview

The Association of African Universities (AAU) is a non-governmental organization headquartered in Accra, Ghana. Established on November 12, 1967, in Rabat, Morocco, the AAU serves as the apex body for higher education institutions across Africa. Its primary mission is to promote cooperation among universities and higher education institutions on the continent, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of information on higher education and research policies. According to uniRank, the AAU represents over 400 African universities and higher education institutions from 46 African countries.

Historical and Legal Framework

The decision to create the AAU was made during a meeting of Heads of African Institutions of Higher Education held at the University of Khartoum, Sudan, in September 1963. The International Association of Universities assisted in planning and making administrative arrangements for this meeting and was invited to cooperate with the Interim Committee that was set up to draft a constitution for the AAU. A founding conference attended by the Heads or Senior representatives of 34 African Universities was held at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco, on November 12, 1967. This conference marked the formal establishment of the AAU.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The AAU's mission is to promote cooperation among African universities and higher education institutions, enhancing their capacity to contribute to the development of the continent. Its vision is to be a leading organization in advancing higher education in Africa, fostering collaboration and addressing the challenges faced by African institutions. The AAU's objectives include:

• Facilitating cooperation and collaboration among African universities.
• Promoting the exchange of information on higher education and research policies.
• Enhancing the capacity of African universities to contribute to national and regional development.
• Advocating for policies that support the growth and development of higher education in Africa.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The AAU is governed by a General Conference comprising representatives of member institutions, convened once every four years. A Conference of Rectors, Vice-Chancellors and Presidents (COREVIP) meets every two years to review issues of common concern to higher education institutions in Africa. The day-to-day operations are managed by a Secretariat, based in Accra, Ghana, under the general supervision of a Secretary-General who reports to the Governing Board of the AAU. The organization's structure is designed to ensure autonomy and independence in its operations, allowing it to effectively serve the interests of its member institutions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

The AAU plays a significant role in promoting quality assurance and accreditation across African higher education institutions. It collaborates with various stakeholders to develop frameworks and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and comparability of qualifications across the continent. One such initiative is the Pan-African Quality Assurance and Accreditation Framework (PAQAF), developed in collaboration with the African Union. PAQAF is designed to harmonize and improve the quality of higher education in Africa, ensuring that institutions meet established standards and contribute to the development of the continent.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The AAU actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the quality and recognition of African higher education. It is a member of various regional and international organizations, facilitating the exchange of best practices and standards in higher education. Additionally, the AAU collaborates with international bodies such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote the development of higher education globally. These partnerships enable the AAU to align African higher education standards with international norms and facilitate the mobility of students and academics.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The AAU's initiatives are poised to significantly impact the landscape of higher education in Africa. By strengthening accreditation processes and quality assurance mechanisms, the AAU aims to:

• Enhance the global competitiveness of African graduates.
• Attract international partnerships and collaborations.
• Improve the employability of graduates through relevant and high-quality programs.
• Support the development of a robust research culture within institutions.
• Ensure equitable access to quality higher education across the continent.

Through these efforts, the AAU seeks to contribute to the sustainable development of Africa by producing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of driving national and regional progress.

Summary

The Association of African Universities (AAU) serves as the central body for higher education institutions across Africa. Established in 1967, the AAU promotes cooperation and collaboration among universities, enhancing their capacity to contribute to the development of the continent. Through its initiatives in quality assurance, accreditation and international cooperation, the AAU aims to elevate the standards of higher education in Africa, ensuring that institutions meet global benchmarks and produce graduates equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.

FAQs

• What is the Association of African Universities (AAU)?
  The AAU is a non-governmental organization headquartered in Accra, Ghana, representing over 400 African universities and higher education institutions from 46 African countries. It promotes cooperation among universities and higher education institutions on the continent.
• When was the AAU established?
  The AAU was formally established on November 12, 1967, in Rabat, Morocco, during a founding conference attended by representatives of 34 African universities.
• What are the main objectives of the AAU?
  The AAU aims to facilitate cooperation among African universities, promote the exchange of information on higher education and research policies, enhance the capacity of African universities to contribute to development and advocate for supportive policies for higher education.
• How is the AAU governed?
  The AAU is governed by a General Conference comprising representatives of member institutions, convened once every four years. The day-to-day operations are managed by a Secretariat under the supervision of a Secretary-General, who reports to the Governing Board.
• What role does the AAU play in accreditation and quality assurance?
  The AAU collaborates with various stakeholders to develop frameworks and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and comparability of qualifications across Africa, such as the Pan-African Quality Assurance and Accreditation Framework (PAQAF).
• Is the AAU involved in international collaborations?
  Yes, the AAU actively engages in international collaborations with regional and international organizations, facilitating the exchange of best practices and standards in higher education.
• What impact does the AAU have on higher education in Africa?
  The AAU's initiatives aim to enhance the global competitiveness of African graduates, attract international partnerships, improve employability, support research development and ensure equitable access to quality higher education across the continent.

Organization Name

Association of African Universities

Acronym

AAU

Year of Establishment

1/01/1967

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

International

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

over 400

Address

African Universities House, 11 Aviation Road Extension, Airport Residential Area
Accra
Greater Accra Ghana

Phone

+233 (21) 774 495

Fax

+233 (21) 774 821

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Association of African Universities's Wikipedia article

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