The delegation comprised of: the Board Chair, Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari; Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza, the vice Chair and; Rev. Dr. Erick Mwangi Gichomo, the project secretary. The delegation arrived in Abidjan at 3:40 p.m. to a warm reception. After supper and refreshing, the delegation retired for the night.
The following day, Tuesday,21st January, 2025, the day begun by Mass then followed by breakfast. At 8:30 a.m., the Board delegation paid a courtesy call to the President of UCAO- UUA to inform in summary form the aim of the visit and the objectives of the CoE. It was agreed that Africa will stand tall and strong if it remains on two feet: West and East. UCAO- UUA was identified as key partner in West Africa. The president of UCAO-UUA gave a brief history of UCAO which begun with a theological institute formerly called ICAO. He further explained that the main objective of UCAO is to achieve excellence and at the same time work towards integration of Africa. After an exchange of pleasantries and memorable gifts, the CoE delegation was taken to a tour of different parts of the campus: Dean of Students, the different ecclesiastical institutes, the secular faculties and the Secretary General/Registrar.
A formal meeting with the Management of the University took place at 11 a.m. In this meeting, the CoE delegation emphasized on the importance and partnerships in order to remain relevant and competitive. The CoE Board Chair explained that it was a deliberate decision to choose to partner with UCAO-UUA since it is notable for its high standards of excellence in francophone Africa. The CoE Project Secretary was next. He introduced the African Centre of Excellence in Theology and Canon Law giving its vision, mission and objectives. He also enumerated the progress made so far in realizing this project. He displayed the CoE website, Logo and distributed copies of the brochures in English and French and the CoE booklet.
The host delegation received the message of the CoE with enthusiasm. They expressed their hope that this cooperation would bear fruit. The challenge of getting women to participate in theological and Canon Law studies to higher levels was discussed. A solution requires concerted efforts to bring more women on board.
The afternoon session centred on how to roll out the programme. This was to aim at equal partnership between CUEA, Hekima UC and UCAO-UUA. The CoE delegation expressed hope that UCAO-UUA would accept to fruitfully partner with CoE. Thus, it was proposed that an MOU be drafted and sent to them to form the basis for their decision.
The meeting ended at 5:45 p.m. with a prayer led by the Dean, Canon Law. There followed and exchange of gifts between the CoE delegation and the hosts. The following day Wednesday 21st was dedicated to a visit to the city of Yamoussoukro. The CoE courtesy of their hosts was taken to the great Basilica and to the home of the founding President of Ivory Coast.
The visit ended on Thursday, 22nd. After the Morning Mass, the CoE delegation was taken to the Abidjan airport with the President of UCAO-UUA present. The CoE delegation was satisfied with the engagements that took place during this visit.