NUI Blog - Northrise University Initiative

by Duke Muchindu

Online Learning is a buzzword that has been around in the Technology world for some time now. Sadly, this buzzword is not so common to many African nations because the advancement of technology in Africa is at a very slow pace. Fortunately for Zambia, the government is now encouraging all sectors of the economy to integrate Information Communication Technology, commonly known as ICT, in their daily operations. The education sector has embraced this effort with open hands. The Minister of Information and Communication Technology recently announced that the E-learning Conference for Africa would be held in Zambia. This is an annual event that looks at advances that African countries have made in integrating ICT in all sectors of their economies.

Since its inception, Northrise University (NU) has integrated ICT in teaching, learning and research. January 2010 took this integration one step further; Northrise launched the first online learning programs. These are Professional diploma in Human Resources Management offered in conjunction with the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management and a Certificate in Theology. The programs are delivered via NU’s Virtual Learning System (VLS). The program modules are designed for working professionals who do not have the time to leave work and engage in full time study. On their time and with Internet connectivity, they can earn their diplomas. It must be recognized here that Northrise is the first educational institute in Zambia to offer online learning in the true sense of the word. This is not distance learning but rather learning in a virtual classroom (online) where students are able to interact with their lecturers and fellow students in real-time.

“Am glad to be a part of this innovative approach to learning. This is the first of its kind in Zambia and am proud to be one of the first online students with a Zambian University” Victor Mulenga.

It’s hoped that as this innovation gains momentum and the Zambian public realize the convenience of online learning, Northrise will be their first choice. Online curricula are already under development for Bachelors programs in the School of Business and the Center for ICT.

by Isaac Banda

The Northrise University School of Business building (now fondly known as Kuhula House) is racing to the finish line and already looking crisp!  The building is a masterwork.  Kuhula House will have over 50 computers that will be networked. It will also house about 6 Local Area Network (LAN) enabled projectors. There will also be WIFI hot spots in most parts of the building for network connectivity and controlled Internet access.  Kuhula House is no doubt going to be the center of Northrise University’s continued “growth” (Kuhula), as the name translates in one of Zambia’s main dialects.

The past week saw the initiation of the laying of network cables. Over 1.5km of network cable was laid on Kuhula House. The cables have been ran underneath the concrete floor and are only visible at the end points. These will soon be wall jacks and wireless access points. A computer laden container is on its way to Zambia to further add quality to Kuhula House. To God be the glory!

The girls of Alpha Phi raised $5540.00 for Northrise during Greek Week at USD, winning the competition and earning themselves a 3-hour Newport Yacht cruise!  The girls rallied together to support Northrise, by encouraging family and friends to donate to Northrise during the online giving campaign.  In total, the students of USD raised over $17,000 to support the work of Northrise University in Zambia!  Northrise is thankful to the girls of Alpha Phi, and ALL the students of the University of San Diego!