History

Dr. Moffat and Doreen Zimba, the founders of Northrise University, were both born in Zambia, suffering from a lack of meaningful educational opportunities. But they heard and answered God’s call to attend Bible college in Australia, they then went on to graduate school in the United States, where Dr. Zimba obtained a doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary, and Mrs. Zimba received her MBA in Technology from the University of Phoenix. In 1988, amid their academic pursuits, the Zimbas began to receive a vision of how they could be instrumental in God’s work of bringing transformation into the lives of Zambian students, who could then help improve the lives of others, together bringing change to their nation. This vision would become Northrise University.

In January 2004, with the faithful collaborative effort of folks from Zambia, Australia, and the United States, the necessary degree of intellectual capital and financial resources came together to launch Northrise, the first nationally recognized private university in Zambia. The University began with fifty students in downtown Ndola. Shortly thereafter, the government granted it land for its new 640-acre site, which would become its main campus. Northrise quickly became a good neighbor to its surrounding community, using its modern medical facility (NUCare) to provide medical care to hundreds who would otherwise have no access.

Today, there are over 1,000 students enrolled at Northrise, taking advantage of its deep Christian worldview, full accreditation, and eleven degree programs in business, IT, law, nursing, and theology. Of its 500 alumni, 99% have remained in Zambia taking up positions of leadership in business, government, and ministry. Having achieved what is among the highest academic requirements in Zambia and equipped with strong character and love for their fellow Zambians, these graduates go on to lead fulfilling careers and help to transform their communities and nation.

With demand for world-class, Christ-centered higher education continuing to increase, the Northrise Advancing the Vision Capital Plan has emerged to include the construction of the Campus Center administration building, two student dormitories, two classroom buildings with computer labs, a faculty duplex, and the Alumni Guest House. Further plans include the construction of three new dormitories, three more faculty duplexes, a security, and maintenance building, a dedicated student center (hub), and a convocation hall. Altogether, these plans are intended to accommodate ten years of future expansion.