ABOUT UNILUS
Historical Background
Passion for Quality Education: Our Driving Force
The University of Lusaka (UNILUS) is guided by its unwavering commitment to delivering quality education. Through this dedication, the University continues to shape futures, empower students, and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Established in 2007 as the Institute for Corporate Training and Applied Research (ICTAR), the institution was registered as a university in January 2008 and introduced its first Bachelor’s Degree programmes in the same year.
The University was officially opened on 18 October 2012 by John N.T. Phiri, then Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.
Since its inception, UNILUS has grown into one of Zambia’s leading private universities, offering a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The University has positioned itself as a Centre of Excellence in education, training, research, and consultancy services.
The University’s programmes are designed to respond to evolving industry demands and societal needs within a rapidly changing technological environment. By aligning its curriculum with both public and private sector expectations, UNILUS ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to contribute to economic development and innovation.
Shaping futures through Vision, Mission & Core Values
The University of Lusaka is one of Zambia's leading private universities, delivering world-class academic programmes grounded in real-world experience.
VISION
UNILUS’ vision is to be a Benchmark University for professional and academic training coupled with valueadding research in the public and private sectors.
MISSION STATEMENT
UNILUS’ mission is to promote equitable lifelong learning and socio-economic transformation of communities through interactive training and research in higher education and practical, community-based problem-solving initiatives.
CORE VALUES
The University of Lusaka core values guide all our academic, administrative, and community activities.
Academic Freedom
Academic freedom is the most fundamental value underpinning all our scholarly activity which is defined as freedom to conduct research, teach, speak and publish subject to the norms and standards of scholarly inquiry without interference or penalty, wherever the search for truth and understanding may lead.
Excellence
The University of Lusaka challenges itself to come up with exemplary rather than satisfactory outcomes through innovation and creativity.
Quality and Achievement
The University believes that it should provide a wide range of high-quality educational and scholarly opportunities that stimulate activity and recognise achievement by students, faculty, and staff.
Diversity
The University believes that a university community connects the perspectives and backgrounds of diverse social and academic groups of people.
Collaboration
The University contributes to the advancement of society by working as an engaged partner of business and industry, government bodies, accredited agencies and the community it serves.
Green Environment
The University advocates for sustainable biodiversity management, ecologically friendly production and provision of goods and services for healthy living, especially in our immediate environment.
Management Philosophy
The University is committed to a participatory management style that actively engages and motivates employees, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. This approach cultivates high levels of productivity, collaboration and teamwork across all units.
In addition, the University upholds a strong culture of service excellence, ensuring that all stakeholders receive effective, customer-focused support.
ICTAR established — Institute for Corporate Training and Applied Research founded in Lusaka.
University registration — Officially registered as a university and introduced first Bachelor's Degree programmes.
Official opening — Opened by Hon. John N.T. Phiri, then Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.
International partnerships — Forged collaborations with Stellenbosch University, Riga Technical University, University of South Carolina, and Dongbei University of Finance and Economics.
Centre of Excellence — One of Zambia's leading private universities offering diverse UG and PG programmes.
From Humble Beginnings to a World-Class Destination
Every decision at UNILUS is shaped by a commitment to quality, relevance, and the development of students who can lead confidently in a competitive world.
Foundational Years (2007 – 2009)
April–May 2007 — The Founder, Prof. Pinalo Chifwanakeni, mobilises resources to establish a training institute for academic, professional, and research excellence.
Growth & Expansion — Phase 1 (2010 – 2014)
2010–2012 — Construction of Pioneer Campus in Lusaka, supported by financing from the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).
Growth & Expansion — Phase 2 (2015 – 2019)
2015 — Second ZDA Investment Licence secured (USD 20 million) for Silverest Campus.
THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF SILVEREST CAMPUS (2026)
The University of Lusaka officially unveils the Silverest Campus — a fully integrated academic, research, residential, and healthcare ecosystem.
Growth & Expansion — Phase 3 (2020 – 2026)
2020–2024 — Major infrastructure expansion including the Pinalo Chifwanakeni Business School, student hostels, Teaching Hospital construction and upgrade
Five Schools Now Fully Operational
School of Postgraduate Studies, School of Technology & Social Sciences, Pinalo Chifwanakeni Business School, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, School of Law
MOUs and Partnerships
From 71 students in 2007 to a thriving institution with 16,800 students, 300 full-time members of staff, and a diverse international community, UNILUS stands today as a Tier-1, multi-campus university with a teaching hospital and worldclass facilities.
EDUCATION & RESEARCH
INTERNATIONAL & DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
HEALTH
LEGAL & GOVERNANCE
A blended, industry-driven approach
"Passion for Quality Education: Our Driving Force"— UNILUS MOTTO
- Classroom & practical balance. The blended model combines traditional instruction with hands-on, industry-relevant learning experiences.
- Professional faculty. Many lecturers bring years of real-world industry experience into the lecture hall.
- Curriculum relevance. Programmes are aligned to the current and future needs of both the public and private sectors.
- Technological readiness. UNILUS prepares students for rapidly changing technological environments through forward-looking course design.
- National & global impact. Graduates contribute to economic development and innovation across Zambia and beyond.