Faith at the Core: Hope Africa University Holds Annual Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving

Hope Africa University (HAU) dedicated Wednesday, 25 March 2026, to spiritual reflection and gratitude, gathering students, faculty, and staff at the Ngagara Parish of the Free Methodist Church of Burundi for its annual Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

Rev. Dr. Col. Servilien Nitunga, Rector of Hope Africa University, delivered powerful remarks underscoring the university’s unwavering foundation in faith.

“Since its creation, the founders of this university, especially the late Dr. Bishop Elie Buconyori, recognised that the problems Burundi and the region were facing, as well as the university itself,  could not be solved without drawing closer to God,” he said.

Follow Jesus

He explained that this annual tradition of prayer and thanksgiving serves as both an expression of gratitude for God’s ongoing work in the university community and a deliberate act of dedicating future plans and challenges to divine guidance.

“At HAU, we believe Bible and Theological studies form the foundation of all other courses through the integration of faith in education,” Rev. Dr. Nitunga emphasized, adding that since they adopt this approach, they have witnessed profound changes in the lives of students, personnel, and lecturers. “We are training leaders who glorify and fear God.” He said. 

He expressed confidence that the day would produce lasting personal transformation: 

“We expect to see students change their way of thinking, become more courageous, and represent Christ effectively in their workplaces and homes.”

Rev. Jérôme Niyoyankunze, Chaplain of HAU, shared encouraging testimonies of the initiative’s impact.

“Since we began this tradition of prayer, we have noticed a real change in students’ behaviour,” he said. “We have seen many students accept Jesus Christ, and we have witnessed lives truly transformed by the Gospel.”

The chaplain urged all university personnel and students to actively participate in these moments of prayer, describing them as essential to the institution’s mission.

As Hope Africa University marks nearly 26 years of existence, it stands as one of Burundi’s leading higher education institutions, known for producing ethical and competent leaders.  

According to the Rev. Niyoyankunze,  the department’s contribution since the university’s founding in 2000: more than 480 alumni, including both Burundians and international students, have graduated from the Bachelor’s programme in Bible and Theology.

In a context where evangelical church leaders have sometimes been viewed as lacking formal education, HAU has significantly raised biblical and theological standards through its Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Bible and Theological Studies.

ALSO READ : 

• In Burundi, the bible has become a luxury

• Burundi Churches Confront the Challenge of Female Leadership

• President Ndayishimiye Hails Coincidence of Ramadan and Lent as a Historic Moment of National Unity

Many serving pastors across Bujumbura and the country are HAU alumni, including the former First Lady of Burundi, Rev. Denise Bucumi Nkurunziza, wife of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza.

The university’s Bible and Theological Studies programmes continue to fulfil its founding vision: addressing the regional need for well-trained pastors and theologians. Graduates actively contribute to churches, NGOs, community development, and peace-building efforts throughout the Great Lakes region.

Hope Africa University invites all its students and staff to embrace these regular seasons of prayer and thanksgiving as a vital part of their personal and academic formation.

Donate