An institution built like a manifesto.
Forward exists to graduate the people Africa needs in the next twenty-five years.
Mission
Educate for what's next.
To prepare a generation of African graduates whose work will matter on a global stage — across technology, science, the arts, governance and enterprise.
Vision
A continent that builds.
An Africa where the most ambitious people in the world come to learn how to build the next chapter of the planet's economy and culture.
Values
Forward, together.
Motion over perfection. Craft over credential. Service over status. Community over ego.
The Forward Philosophy
Move with purpose. Build with care. Graduate with momentum.
Build, don't just study
Every programme has a public-facing capstone. Students ship work the world can use before they graduate.
Studios over lecture halls
Our default classroom is a working studio. Lectures exist where they belong — as a small part of a much bigger learning surface.
Africa as the protagonist
Our case studies, datasets, partners and questions begin on this continent — and connect to the world from here.
Timeline
From idea to institution.
- ◆2022Founding charter signed
Forward is incorporated as a private not-for-profit higher education institution.
- ◆2023Campus master plan unveiled
Three-phase architectural vision approved by the founding board.
- ◆2024First cohort admitted
1,200 students join across four pioneer schools.
- ◆2025Phase 1 Academic Tower opens
Studios, labs and the first seminar rooms come online.
- ◆2026Forward Theater inaugurated
The copper-shell auditorium hosts the first public graduation.
- ◆2028Phase 3 Research Tower
Postgraduate research and the Sky Boardroom complete the spine.
Leadership
The team carrying it forward.
Prof. Esther Nakamura
Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Olumide Bakare
Provost
Prof. Khadija Lamine
Dean of Research
Mr. Sandile Ndlovu
Registrar
Prof. Grace Acheng
Dean of Students
Mr. Anwar Rashid
CFO & Director of Operations
