AU, Claflin U Launch Online M.Sc. in Biotechnology

Africa University and Claflin University are collaborating on the launch a master’s degree program in biotechnology through online learning.

The Master of Science degree in biotechnology is expected to begin enrolling students in 2022. It is an exciting new component of a partnership between the two institutions that started in 2017.

In May, leaders from both institutions met to review their four-year collaboration and finalize plans to expand the partnership.

“We see biotechnology as a program that will strengthen our relationship with Claflin,” said Rev. Dr. Peter Mageto, AU's acting vice chancellor. “(It) will attract students from L to R: Mr. James Salley, associate beyond our borders and impact vice chancellor for institutional how governments will begin to advancement, Dr. Verlie Tisdale, Claflin U's interim vice provost, Rev. Dr. Peter Mageto, AU's acting think about biotechnology and climate change.” vice chancellor, Dr. Dwaun The partnership received Warmack, Claflin U's president and seed funding from the Black Dr. Karl Wright, Claflin U's provost. College Fund of The United Methodist Church. To date, its focus has been faculty/student exchanges as well as peer-to-peer interactions for students.

2021 Graduation Ceremony Scheduled for July

The first group of Africa University students to experience an entire academic year of online only learning will graduate on July 3, 2021.

An address from the Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker, Dr. Michael Ugwueke, will cap off their unusual final year.

Recognized as one of the top 25 Minority Executives in Healthcare in the USA, Ugwueke is the president/CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, based in Memphis, Tennessee.

Ugwueke emigrated to the USA from Nigeria at age 21, with the dream of becoming a doctor. He now leads the second largest private employer in Memphis—with five hospitals, 13,000 employees, and more than US$1B in assets.

Among the 580 young people from 17 African countries who comprise the Class of 2021 is Barde Danjuma, a Nigerian who has earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree. As a student leader, Danjuma served and encouraged more than 3,000 fellow students dispersed over 28 countries using online platforms and social media channels.

“We have been a family and although we are from different nations, we adopted each other and lived together in harmony,” said Danjuma. “Africa University has shown me how to be patient working alongside people from different backgrounds. That’s all part of the legacy of this final year.”