Zambian Open University
Motto	University without walls
Type	Private
Established	2002
Founder	Professor Dickson Mwansa
Academic affiliation	AAU, ACU, HEA
Location	Lusaka , Zambia
Campus	Urban
Nickname	ZAOU
Website	zaou.ac.zm

Zambian Open University (ZAOU) is a private university, founded in 2002. It is one of the oldest private universities in Zambia. It is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The University boasts of a top academic record for its Law students in 2017 admitted to the bar followed by the University of Zambia. The University has a vibrant Students Union that addresses student needs in a more professional and mature manner though this is “CAP”. In 2018, the Students Union launched what is called the Student Revolving Fund to support vulnerable students.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]

School of Education

The School of Education is one of the two original Schools of the Zambian Open University (ZAOU) that started as soon as the University opened its doors to students in 2005. The other pioneer school was the School of Law and Social Sciences.

The School of Education started with three programmes namely Bachelor of Education in Adult Education, Bachelor of Education in Primary Education and Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education. Later the School developed three other programmes: Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Education in Guidance and Counselling and Bachelor of Education in Special Education.

In 2012, the University decided to abolish the School of Media, Performing and Fine Arts. As a result, Fine Arts was absorbed into the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, while Theatre Arts was incorporated in the School of Education, thus giving seven programmes to the School of Education, making it the biggest School in the University.

School of Agricultural Sciences

The School aims at producing graduates with agricultural skills to develop the agricultural sector. The school offers several degree programmes.

Undergraduate programs offered;

Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)

Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science with Education)

Bachelor of Science ( Agribusiness Management)

Bachelor of Science ( Agricultural Economics)

Bachelor of Science ( Agricultural Extension)

Bachelor of Science (Horticulture)

Bachelor of Science (Plant Science)

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences has three Departments, namely, Development Studies, Governance and Public Administration and Fine Arts. Each of these Departments offers a Degree Programme.

On completion, graduates from the Department of Fine Arts find jobs in many areas: They can start their own companies as designers; they can be employed by textile companies as Designers; they can join the Ministry of Education as teachers of Art; they can have their own Studios and sell their art works.

Undergraduate Degrees offered;

Bachelor of Arts with Development Studies �

Bachelor of Arts in Governance and Public Administration

Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Bachelor of Social Work

School of Law

The School of Law at Zambian Open University is the second law school to be established in Zambia after the school of law at the University of Zambia. It is one of the oldest schools at ZAOU. The School of Law is currently the biggest Law School in Zambia. It is proving to be a highly competitive law school judged by the high percentage in comparative terms to those from other law schools, who pass the ZIALE examinations and thus enter the legal practitioners market.

The school offers the traditional LLB courses by a diverse faculty leading to an LLB degree that provides students with a sound knowledge of the general principles of the Zambian legal system with an international component, and an ability to use legal materials effectively.

School of Graduate Studies

The Zambian Open University started offering post-graduate studies in 2006 with an intake of 15 students in one programme – Master’s degree of Education in Literacy and Development. Since then twelve more postgraduate programmes have been introduced; and there are currently a total of twelve programmes.

School of Business Studies

The School of Business Studies aims at equipping students with critical and state of the art managerial skills, Including leadership, sound judgment, entrepreneurship, ethical business decision-making, and sharp analytical thinking. The School also aims at upgrading the knowledge and skills of established managers in government and industry.

The School of business Studies offers a number of degree programmes which include Bachelors, Masters and PhD programmes. The Programmes are offered on full-time and open and distance learning.

ACCA Accreditation

Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) Degree Programme offered by the Zambian Open University was in January, 2020 accredited by the Association of Charted Certified Accountants (ACCA). In this regard ACCA members will be offered Exemptions in order to obtain a Degree in Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) offered by ZAOU. ACCA Members/Students are encouraged to take this opportunity of a lifetime

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants a leading international accountancy body. The ACCA qualification is recognised and is treated in other countries as being equivalent to their local qualification.

The ACCA qualification proves to employers that you have ability in all aspects of business.

It is the largest and fastest growing qualification in the world, with over 500,000 members and students in 170 countries.

ZAOU students vs the Zambia Institute for Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE)

In 2009 the Lusaka High Court ordered the Zambia Institute for Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) to enrol law students from Zambia Open University (ZAOU) for the 2009 and 2010 legal practitioners qualifying course after the student took ZIALE to court. The High Court Judge Nigel Mutuna in his judgment delivered in chambers also directed the counsel for ZIALE to certify the ZAOU law degree qualifications as being equivalent to those offered at the University of Zambia (UNZA).This move by ZAOU students enabled law students from other private universities to be enrolled at ZIALE to this day.

Notable Alumni

Vincent Mwale (Former Minister)

Jean Kapata (Former Minister)

Coaster Mwansa (Media Personality)

Simon Mwila Mulenga (Lawyer)

References

External links

Universities in Zambia

Universities in Zambia
Public	Chalimbana University Copperbelt University Mukuba University Mulungushi University Kwame Nkrumah University University of Zambia Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
Private	Cavendish University Zambia Central African Baptist University Copperstone University Gideon Robert University Northrise University University of Lusaka Rockview University Rusangu University St. Bonaventure University Texila American University Zambia Victoria Falls University of Technology Zambia Catholic University Zambian Open University

Association of African Universities

Association of African Universities
Algeria	Algiers 1 University Constantine 1 University Oran 1 University Université Badji Mokhtar d'Annaba Université des sciences et de la technologie d'Oran Université Des Sciences Islamiques University of Ouargla University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene
Angola	Agostinho Neto University
Benin	African University For Cooperative Development Edexcel University Poma International Business University Université de Parakou University of Abomey-Calavi
Botswana	Botho University Botswana Accountancy College Botswana International University of Science and Technology Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources New Era College Of Arts, Science And Technology University of Botswana
Burkina Faso	Institut International d'Ingénierie de l'Eau et de l'Environnement Institut Supérieur d’Informatique et de Gestion L'Université Aube Nouvelle Nazi Boni University University of Ouagadougou
Burundi	École normale supérieure de Bujumbura University of Burundi
Cameroon	Ecole Nationale Superieure Des Travaux Publics De Yaoundé Institut Universitaire du Golfe de Guinée Maflekumen Higher Institute Of Health Sciences Pan African Institute for Development – West Africa University of Bamenda University of Buea University of Douala University of Dschang University of Maroua University of Ngaoundéré University of Yaoundé I
Cape Verde	Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde
Central African Republic	EUCLID University of Bangui
Chad	University of N'Djamena
Republic of the Congo	Marien Ngouabi University
Cote D'Ivoire	Agitel - Formation École nationale supérieure de statistique et d'économie appliquée Institut universitaire d'Abidjan International University of Grand-Bassam Pigier Côte d'Ivoire Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny Université Nangui-Abrogoua Université Pelefero Gon Coulibaly Université Tertiaire et Technologique LOKO
Democractic Republic of the Congo	Catholic University of Bukavu Université catholique du Congo Université Loyola du Congo Université Simon Kimbangu University of Kinshasa University of Kisangani University of Lubumbashi
Egypt	Ain Shams University Al-Azhar University Alexandria Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology Alexandria University Benha University Cairo University Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology Egyptian e-Learning University Helwan University Mansoura University Matrouh University Menoufia University Minya University Misr University for Science and Technology October 6 University Pharos University in Alexandria South Valley University Suez Canal University Tanta University The American University in Cairo The British University in Egypt University of Sadat City Zagazig University
Eritrea	University of Asmara
Eswatini	University of Eswatini
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Addis Ababa University Bule Hora University Ethiopian Civil Service University Haramaya University Hawassa University Jimma University Mekelle University St. Mary's University Wollega University
Gabon	Omar Bongo University Université Des Sciences & Techniques De Masuku
Ghana	Accra Institute of Technology Accra Technical University African University College of Communications All Nations University Ashesi University Bluecrest University College Central University Dominion University College George Grant University of Mines and Technology Ghana Institute of Languages Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Koforidua Technical University Kumasi Technical University Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Methodist University College Ghana Pentecost University Presbyterian University College Radford University College Regent University College of Science and Technology Regional Maritime University University for Development Studies University of Cape Coast University of Education, Winneba University of Energy and Natural Resources University of Ghana University of Health and Allied Sciences University of Professional Studies University of Media, Arts and Communication Valley View University Wisconsin International University College Zenith University College
Kenya	African Virtual University Catholic University of Eastern Africa Daystar University Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Egerton University International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenyatta University Maseno University Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Moi University Mount Kenya University Multimedia University of Kenya South Eastern Kenya University Strathmore University Umma University University of Eldoret University of Nairobi
Lesotho	National University of Lesotho
Liberia	Cuttington University Stella Maris Polytechnic University United Methodist University
Libya	Al Asmarya University for Islamic Sciences Al Zawiya University Misurata University Sabha University University of Al-Jabal Al Gharbi University of Benghazi University of Tripoli
Madagascar	University of Antsiranana University of Antananarivo University of Fianarantosoa University of Mahajanga University of Toamasina University of Toliara
Malawi	DMI-St. John the Baptist University Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Malawi University of Science and Technology UNICAF University of Malawi
Mali	University of Bamako
Mauritania	University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya
Mauritius	Open University of Mauritius University of Mauritius University of Technology, Mauritius
Morocco	Mohammed First University Mohammed V University University of al-Qarawiyyin
Mozambique	Catholic University of Mozambique Eduardo Mondlane University Maputo University Zambeze University
Namibia	International University of Management Namibia University of Science and Technology University of Namibia
Niger	Abdou Moumouni University Higher Institute of Mining, Industry and Geology Maryam Abacha American University Niger
Nigeria	Abia State University Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Adamawa State University Ahmadu Bello University Al-Hikmah University Babcock University Bayero University Bells University of Technology Bowen University Crawford University Delta State University, Abraka Ebonyi State University Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University of Technology, Owerri Federal University of Technology, Yola Gombe State University Kogi State University Kwara State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Michael Okpara University of Agriculture National Open University of Nigeria Niger Delta University Nnamdi Azikiwe University Osun State University Pan-Atlantic University Redeemer's University Rivers State University University of Abuja University of Africa University of Agriculture, Abeokuta University of Agriculture, Makurdi University of Benin University of Calabar University of Ibadan University of Ilorin University of Lagos University of Port Harcourt University of Uyo Usman Dan Fodio University
Rwanda	Université Nationale du Rwanda
Sierra Leone	Njala University University of Sierra Leone
Somalia	Benadir University East Africa University Puntland State University
South Africa	Cape Peninsula University of Technology Central University of Technology Council on Higher Education Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University North-West University Rhodes University University of Cape Town University of Fort Hare University of Johannesburg University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Free State University of Limpopo University of Pretoria University of South Africa University of Stellenbosch University of the Western Cape University of the Witwatersrand University of Venda University of Zululand Walter Sisulu University
South Sudan	University of Juba
Sudan	El Imam El Mahdi University National College for Medical and Technical Studies Omdurman Ahlia University Red Sea University University of Bakht er Ruda University of Dalanj University of Science and Technology
Tanzania	Ardhi University Muslim University of Morogoro Mzumbe University St. Augustine University of Tanzania The Open University of Tanzania University of Dar es Salaam Zanzibar University
The Gambia	University of the Gambia
Togo	Université de Kara Université de Lomé
Uganda	Busitema University Uganda Christian University Uganda Management Institute Uganda Martyrs University
Zambia	Cavendish University Copperbelt University Mulungushi University University of Lusaka College University of Zambia Zambian Open University
Zimbabwe	Africa University Bindura University of Science Education Chinhoyi University of Technology Great Zimbabwe University Harare Institute of Technology Lupane State University Midlands State University National University of Science and Technology University of Zimbabwe Women’s University in Africa Zimbabwe Open University

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