The University of Zimbabwe (UZ), formerly a college of the University of London, opened its doors to its first students in 1952. All faculties are located at the principal campus in the northern Harare suburb of Mount Pleasant. The College of Medicine is located at Parirenyatwa Hospital , Harare.

History

• 1945 – First proposal for a university college in Rhodesia.
• 1946 – The Legislative Assembly of Southern Rhodesia calls for the establishment of a university college to serve the needs of Rhodesia and neighbouring territories.
• 1947 – The Governor of Southern Rhodesia establishes the Rhodesia University Foundation Fund.
• 1948 – The City of Salisbury (now Harare) provides land for the construction of the campus.
• 1952 – The Legislative Assembly of Southern Rhodesia enacts a bill for the incorporation and constitution of the university. An Inaugural Board is established by the Act. First classes begin on the old Baker Street site.
• 1953 July – Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, lays the foundation stone on the Mount Pleasant site.
• 1956 – The College is admitted to the privilege of Special Relation with the University of London. The Academic Board is formed.
• 1957 – All activities transferred to Mount Pleasant. Teaching for full-time students begins in the Faculties of Arts and Science and for graduates taking the one-year Certificate in Education programme.
• 1963 – The Medical School is opened and is affiliated to the University of Birmingham. After the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the University College continues as an independent institution of higher education and research, open to all races.
• 1970 – A phased termination of the associations with the Universities of London and Birmingham begins.
• 1971 – The University College achieves university status and becomes the University of Rhodesia.
• 1980 – After Independence, the University of Rhodesia becomes the University of Zimbabwe.
• 1982 – The Royal Charter is replaced by an Act of Parliament.

External links

• UZ Homepage