Acorns Group of International Schools has announced plans to establish an international university in Uganda, marking a new phase in the institution’s three-decade journey in the education sector.
The proposed Acorns International University was unveiled during celebrations to mark 30 years of Acorns’ operations, bringing together education leaders, dignitaries, partners, parents, staff, alumni and students at the Acorns Kisaasi Campus.
The university project is currently at the development stage, with the institution targeting a launch in the next academic year, subject to approval by the National Council for Higher Education.
The proposed institution is intended to expand Acorns’ contribution to Uganda’s education sector by providing internationally recognised higher education programmes locally.
Speaking during the celebrations, Acorns Group of International Schools Chief Executive Officer Ameena Lalani said the university represents a natural progression from the institution’s work in preschool, primary and secondary education.
“After 30 years, we have learned that no dream is too big. We have made a significant contribution to primary and secondary education, and now our focus is on higher education.”
Lalani said the proposed university would seek to give Ugandan students access to international-standard higher education without having to leave the country.
“We want to provide internationally recognised programmes here at home so that more students can access world-class education without leaving the country.”
The proposal was announced by Parvez Lalani as part of activities marking Acorns’ 30-year milestone. Further details on the university are expected to be released as the development and approval process progresses.
Acorns Board Chair Adnan Jasani said affordability would be an important consideration in the institution’s higher education plans.
“Our goal is to provide high-quality education that prepares students for the future while keeping tuition affordable.”
Jasani said Acorns would seek to maintain internationally recognised academic standards while ensuring that quality education remains accessible to more learners.
The proposed university comes as Acorns reflects on its growth from a single preschool established in Kisaasi in 1996 into a regional education group with campuses in Kisaasi, Bunga and Lubowa in Uganda, as well as Kigali, Rwanda.
The institution said its expansion into higher education is intended to build on its experience in international education and respond to the changing needs of learners and families.
The university will, however, only be established after securing the necessary regulatory approvals from the National Council for Higher Education.
Acorns said updates on the proposal will be published as the process progresses.
The announcement adds a new dimension to the institution’s 30th anniversary celebrations, shifting the focus from its three decades of growth in school education to its ambitions in higher education.
If approved, Acorns International University would become the latest expansion of the group’s education offering and potentially provide students with an alternative pathway to internationally oriented higher education within Uganda.
