Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom- ACAF

20/08/2026

COMMENDATION FOR THE RELEASE OF ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY LECTURERS AND URGENT APPEAL FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ASSISTANT LECTURER MELKISEDEKI KITUNZI KAIJAGE

The Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom (ACAF) acknowledges with appreciation the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania's decision to release two of the three university lecturers who were detained following their arrest on 3 July 2026.

However, our relief is tempered by continued concern for Assistant Lecturer Melkisedeki Kitunzi Kaijage of the University of Dodoma, who remains in detention. The continued detention of Assistant Lecturer Kaijage, while his colleagues have been released, raises questions about the basis and fairness of the charges against him.
Read more
https://www.acafafrica.org/news-post.html =c7d4413a-95e0-4cac-b54d-e3f4beee630a

14/08/2026

GHOne TV | “The Effects of Sexual Harassment on the Academic Freedom of Students “

The Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom (ACAF) is proud to support this important student-led initiative by the University of Ghana School of Law, which examines the impact of sexual harassment on students’ enjoyment of academic freedom.

The project highlights critical issues of sexual harassment, institutional accountability, legal protection, and the urgent need to create safer and more inclusive learning environments.

🎥 Watch the GHOne TV feature and join the conversation.

Academic freedom cannot truly flourish where students are subjected to harassment, intimidation or fear.

Protecting students is protecting academic freedom.

14/08/2026

JOY NEWS: Sexual Harassment and Academic Freedom

As part of its commitment to protecting academic freedom across Africa, the Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom (ACAF) supported this project by students of the University of Ghana School of Law, examining “The Effects of Sexual Harassment on Academic Freedom of Students.”

The project brings together critical conversations on sexual harassment, institutional accountability, legal protections and the need for safer, more inclusive academic environments.

🎥 Watch the video and join the conversation.

Academic freedom cannot thrive where students feel unsafe, intimidated or harassed.

04/08/2026

STATEMENT ON THE STUDENT PROTESTS AT TECHIMAN-KROBO COLLEGE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY, GHANA

The Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom (ACAF) expresses concern over the recent developments at the Techiman-Krobo College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ghana, where students embarking on a protest over allegations relating to poor living and learning conditions, inadequate welfare services, lack of essential academic resources, and concerns about institutional governance were met with police brutality.

Read the full statement here
https://www.acafafrica.org/news-post.html =1718ee14-68c7-4a5c-838f-bda2317f3020

29/07/2026

University of Ghana Announces Inaugural Lecture by Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, Regional Director of Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom

The University of Ghana is inviting members of the university community, the legal profession, civil society, students, researchers, and the general public to the inaugural lecture of Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua.

Under the theme, “Students’ Struggle for Academic Freedom and Africa’s Democratic Renewal,” the lecture examines the marginalisation of students within African universities and proposes various democratisation strategies to restore their place in academic freedom's structure as the foundation for Africa's democratic renewal.

The lecture will be chaired by Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana.

Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
🕔 Time: 5:00 p.m. (Guests are requested to be seated by 4:30 p.m.)
📍 Venue: Great Hall, University of Ghana
(The program will be streamed live on the University of Ghana YouTube channel).

This inaugural lecture marks an important academic milestone and provides an opportunity for meaningful engagement on one of the most significant issues shaping higher education and democracy in Africa.

The Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom encourages all to attend and be part of this important conversation by its Regional Director.

25/07/2026

Link to story: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg9l039ljyo

Former Kenyan county governor Okoth Obado has been found guilty of murdering a pregnant 26-year-old university student with whom he had been having an affair.

In 2018, Sharon Otieno's bloodied body was found dumped in a thicket outside a small town in western Kenya.

23/07/2026

ACAF LETTER TO THE TANZANIAN PRESIDENT AND OTHER AUTHORITIES ON DETENTION OF THREE LECTURERS

The Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom (ACAF) expresses its grave concern and strong condemnation regarding the ongoing detention of three university lecturers in Tanzania, who have been arrested and held for over 17 days without bail nor appearance in court in connection with their academic teaching activities and activism.

Read the letter here

https://www.acafafrica.org/news-post.html =5176290d-ad2c-4f8a-9248-33b9b06dd972

21/07/2026

ACADEMIC FREEDOM UNDER ATTACK IN TANZANIA

Three University Lecturers Detained for Teaching and Expressing Academic Views

On 3 July 2026, three university lecturers from St. John's University of Tanzania and the University of Dodoma were arrested after allegedly mobilizing demonstrations. One lecturer was reportedly targeted for teaching a class on Ethics and Good Governance, where historical corruption scandals were discussed as part of academic instruction.

Why This Matters
-17+ days of detention without being brought before a court

-Denied bail despite the alleged offence being bailable under Tanzanian law

-Teaching content is being criminalized
Academic freedom, freedom of expression, and university autonomy are under serious threat.

These actions create a dangerous climate of fear and self-censorship across Tanzania's higher education sector.

Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom Calls For:

✔️ The immediate and unconditional release of the detained lecturers.
✔️ Respect for due process and the rule of law.
✔️ Protection of academic freedom, freedom of expression, and institutional autonomy.
✔️ International solidarity with scholars and students in Tanzania.

Academic freedom is a human right. Protecting scholars protects democracy, knowledge, and Africa's future.

21/07/2026

STATEMENT ON THE PROTECTION OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND PAN-AFRICAN SCHOLARSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom (ACAF) has issued a statement expressing concern over recent public discourse in South Africa regarding the employment of foreign academics in public universities. While recognising the importance of expanding opportunities for South African scholars, the statement emphasises that academic appointments should be based on merit, competence and institutional needs rather than nationality. ACAF warns that narratives targeting foreign academics risk fuelling xenophobia, undermining academic freedom and weakening continental collaboration, and calls on policymakers, higher education institutions and regional bodies to uphold academic freedom, institutional autonomy and the free movement of scholars across Africa.

Read ACAF Statement here:
https://www.acafafrica.org/news-post.html =220f581e-ccf2-4a8e-9b6d-f6d2868d3262

20/07/2026

Upcoming orientation for new members