Frequently Asked Questions
Question (Q): What is the legal status of African University Foundation?
Answer (A): African University Foundation is the vehicle to mobilize international financial support and other forms of support essential for the construction of African University. African University Foundation was incorporated on January 04, 1994 at Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. as a (501)(c)(3) non-profit organization. The United States Internal Revenue Service granted African University Foundation's tax-exempt status on June 11, 1998.
Q : How will African University be funded?
A : African University will be funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, corporations, foundations, governments, agencies, associations, and other institutions interested and able to support higher education in Africa.
Q : What is the money I contribute used for?
A : You may restrict your contribution to be used in the following ways: Annual Fund, Capital Fund, Endowment Fund, Farm Fund, General Fund, and Scholarship Fund. The General Fund is the least restrictive that supports the Foundation's efforts to hire and retain a competent development staff to handle inquiries, operate African University Foundation, as well as raise and manage the funds necessary to establish African University.
Q : Are my contributions tax-deductible in the U.S.?
A : Yes.
Q : Where is Tali located and what is unique about it?
A : Tali is located in Manyu Division, South West Province, Cameroon. Tali is a village and slightly larger in size than a typical US town. It has a tropical climate and a relatively flat topography. Tali has a primary school built in the early part of the Twentieth Century, post office, and health center. The Cameroon Government recently opened a Government Technical College in Tali. Tali Primary School played a key role in the education of prominent individuals of Manyu Division. The people of Tali are currently raising funds needed to construct a water supply system. A partially-tarred highway from the cities of Mamfe and Kumba lead to Tali. This stretch of the highway is part of the African superhighway linking Cameroon to Nigeria. Building a highway to Nigeria is a necessary condition to enhance African communication, integration, and commerce. In the 1940s an English anthropologist, Malcolm Ruel, lived with the Tali people and wrote a book about the culture, politics and leadership in Manyu. The title of the book is "Leopards and leaders: constitutional politics among a Cross River people.” Another highway from Dchang and Fontem leads to Tali.
Q : What infrastructure and resources exist in Tali?
A : Tali is the most logical site to build African University because of the availability and richness of the land for agriculture as well as its conducive climate and topography. Farms will be an integral part of African University. Tali is endowed with rich tropical forest and three rivers, Nfu, Nfi, Bawoh and Ejue Nfu. In 1999, the Tali Traditional Council reserved ten square miles of land for the construction of African University. The government is processing the land documents of the project. Other secondary schools situated around Tali include Government Secondary School, Ebeagba; Government Secondary School, Bachua Akabe; Queen of the Rosary College, Okoyong; Seat of Wisdom College, Fontem; Government High School, Mamfe; Government High School, Tinto, Presbyterian High School, Bessong Abang. African University like these educational institutions will thrive in Tali. A secondary school in Cameroon is commonly called a college. Historically, some renowned universities around the world started in villages. A well-structured and functioning university will not only attract competent students and faculty, but also adequate funding.
Q : What about establishing branches of African University?
A : Establishing regional campuses with some degree of specialization will be important and one that is within the plan of African University. However, a critical challenge in the design of African University would be to incorporate and preserve a unified philosophical, structural, and functional core at all its campuses. For example, all branches must not only promote efficiency, but also be sensitive to local realities and be flexible to changing social conditions. Also, all campuses of African University must be committed to the values of integrity, creativity, and excellence. What this means is that African University campuses would simultaneously have regional uniqueness as well as a unifying framework.
Q : What about the design of African University?
A : African University will be designed to attract large numbers of tourists or visitors besides academics and students. Local materials such as the red soil of Tali will be used to mold the bricks to construct African University. Environmental concerns will be taken into account in the design of African University.
Q : How is African University Foundation governed and administered?
A : A dedicated Board of Trustees currently manages and governs African University Foundation. As African University Foundation matures, a permanent professional staff with a record of excellence in international fund raising will be hired.
Q : When will African University open its doors?
A : African University plans to launch its operations in Tali by September 2009. In March 2003, African University Foundation submitted an application to establish African University at the Ministry of Higher Education, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Q : How can I get involved in the fund raising activities of African University Foundation?
A : Be creative. You may do any of the following to enhance the fund raising activities of African University Foundation: Share the idea of African University with others; and/or make personal requests soliciting funds to establish African University, and/or host a fund raising event. All checks or money orders should be payable to African University Foundation and mailed to: 3737 N. Meridian Street, Suite 204, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, USA.