A New Chapter Begins: Northrise University Installs Its Chancellor

Northrise University marked a historic milestone on February 28, 2026, with the formal installation of Dr. Moffat Zimba as its second Chancellor, signaling the beginning of a new era of leadership. The ceremony, attended by distinguished guests, academic leaders, and the wider Northrise community, was more than a leadership transition—it was a powerful declaration of faith, vision, and purpose. Through symbolic moments such as the robing of university leaders and inspiring addresses from outgoing Chancellor Jeff Goble, Dr. Zimba, and Vice-Chancellor Lameck Mwewa, the event emphasized servant leadership, academic excellence, and Christ-centered transformation. With a renewed commitment to developing global citizens devoted to Zambia’s spiritual and economic growth, Northrise University reaffirmed its mission to shape not only intellect, but also character, purpose, and national impact.

By Ephraim Mufaya

On February 28, 2026, Northrise University became the stage for a moment that transcended ceremony and entered the realm of legacy. In a gathering marked by dignity, reflection, and renewed vision, the university formally ushered in a new era of leadership through the installation of its new Chancellor.

Distinguished guests, academic leaders, and members of the Northrise community came together in a celebration that was both symbolic and strategic, an event that honored the past while boldly charting the future.

From the opening atmosphere of reverence, marked by worship, prayer, and the solemn cadence of the national anthem, it was clear that this was not a conventional academic gathering. It was a convergence of purpose where faith, leadership, and education intertwined.

Delivering the opening remarks, Jeff Goble, Chair of the University Council and Northrise University’s founding Chancellor, reflected on the significance of leadership in shaping the future of higher education. His words highlighted the university’s commitment to excellence, governance, and transformative impact, while also acknowledging his own retirement from the role.

In a symbolic passing of the baton, the ceremony culminated in the installation of Dr. Moffat Zimba as Northrise University’s second Chancellor, signaling continuity, renewal, and the beginning of a new chapter in the university’s story.

The Symbolism of the Robe and the Weight of Responsibility

Taking center stage as one of the key highlights of the ceremony was the robing of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and Chancellor of Northrise University, a visually striking and symbolic moment that vividly conveyed authority and leadership—an act representing the transfer and affirmation of academic authority.

As the academic regalia was conferred, it represented more than status; it embodied responsibility, wisdom, and service. A moment steeped in tradition, yet forward-looking in its implications.

At the heart of the ceremony was the formal installation of Dr. Moffat Zimba as Chancellor, an act that transcended tradition to symbolize the university’s conscious trust in leadership defined not by authority, but by responsibility.

In his address, Dr. Zimba challenged conventional notions of leadership, declaring: “Leadership is never just about title or tenure; it is about stewardship and the divine call to serve.”

With quiet humility, he outlined his core duties—conferring degrees, representing the university, and championing its vision—before elevating his address to a deeper philosophical level.

He emphasized that education must go beyond academic achievement: “We strive not just for higher learning, but for deeper learning—knowledge that doesn’t just fill the head but transforms the heart.”

In that moment, the ceremony transcended formality, capturing the true essence of Northrise University’s mission: to cultivate not only intellect, but character and purpose.

A Vision Cast for the Future

Honoring the institution’s legacy, Lameck Mwewa guided the ceremony with clear direction, redefining the installation as far more than just a mere leadership transition.

He declared, “Today is not merely a transition of leadership, but a renewed commitment to a mission entrusted to us by God.”

In a thoughtful and forward-looking address, the newly installed Vice-Chancellor presented a bold, purpose-driven vision for Northrise University, one centered on growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

What set his vision apart was not its scale, but its intent: “Our mission is to develop Christ-centered global citizens devoted to the spiritual and economic transformation of Zambia and beyond.”

He stressed that true excellence must remain inseparable from service, warning against achievement without impact.

His leadership framework, grounded in Christ-centered identity, academic rigor, community formation, and stewardship, is set to position Northrise not simply as a university, but as a transformative force for society.

Redefining Leadership as Servant Community

A central theme that resonated throughout the ceremony was the profound redefinition of leadership and community, an inversion of traditional structures where leaders exist not to command, but to serve.

As Dr. Zimba affirmed, “In servant leadership, the pyramid is inverted. Leaders exist to support those they lead.”

Rooted in biblical principles, he emphasized humility, integrity, and compassion not as lofty ideals, but as operational standards that elevate service as the highest form of authority.

This vision aligned seamlessly with Northrise University’s identity, reminding all present that the university is not merely an institution but a living community bound by shared responsibility.

Faculty, students, alumni, and partners were called to embrace education not as a transaction, but as a transformational journey—one that equips Christ-centered global citizens to remove obstacles, empower others, and advance the spiritual and economic renewal of Zambia and beyond.

A Closing Anchored in Faith

As the ceremony drew to a close, prayers of dedication and gratitude reaffirmed Northrise University’s foundation.

In a moving moment of reflection, Bishop George Chanda invoked divine wisdom and guidance over the newly installed leaders, underscoring that the institution’s future rests not only on strategy, but on faith.

The final words carried a timeless reminder: “Unless the Lord builds, those who build labor in vain.”

With that benediction, the day concluded not as an ending, but as the consecration of a new beginning—a call to ground vision in divine purpose, to integrate faith and intellect, and to intentionally shape Northrise University’s destiny.

In that sacred moment, the University’s path forward was not only blessed, it was commissioned.