# National University of Zaire

> former university in Zaire (1971–81)

**Wikidata**: [Q733935](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q733935)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_University_of_Zaire)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/national-university-of-zaire

## Summary
The National University of Zaire (Université nationale du Zaïre, UNAZA) was a former public university in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) that operated from 1971 to 1981. It was created by merging several existing universities and served as the primary higher education institution in the country during its existence.

## Key Facts
- **Existence**: Operated from 1971 to 1981 in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
- **Location**: Headquartered in Kinshasa, Zaire.
- **Predecessors**: Formed by merging Lovanium University, Université officielle du Congo (Lubumbashi), Université libre du Congo (Kisangani), and Faculté de théologie protestante au Zaïre.
- **Successors**: After dissolution in 1981, its campuses became independent universities, including Université de Kinshasa, Université de Lubumbashi, and University of Kisangani.
- **Aliases**: Also known as UNAZA (abbreviation) and Université nationale du Zaïre.
- **Classification**: Public university (instance of university).
- **Identifiers**:
  - ISNI: 0000000119398387
  - VIAF ID: 128994304
  - Library of Congress Authority ID: n79097459

## FAQs
### Q: When did the National University of Zaire exist?
A: The National University of Zaire operated from 1971 to 1981.

### Q: What universities were merged to form UNAZA?
A: UNAZA was formed by merging Lovanium University, Université officielle du Congo (Lubumbashi), Université libre du Congo (Kisangani), and Faculté de théologie protestante au Zaïre.

### Q: What happened to UNAZA after it was dissolved?
A: After its dissolution in 1981, its campuses became independent universities, including Université de Kinshasa, Université de Lubumbashi, and University of Kisangani.

### Q: Where was the National University of Zaire located?
A: It was headquartered in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

### Q: What were the alternative names for UNAZA?
A: It was also known as Université nationale du Zaïre and abbreviated as UNAZA.

## Why It Matters
The National University of Zaire played a crucial role in the higher education system of Zaire during its existence. By consolidating multiple universities into a single national institution, UNAZA aimed to centralize and standardize academic programs, research, and administration. This restructuring reflected broader national policies under President Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime, which sought to unify and modernize the country’s institutions. Although short-lived, UNAZA’s dissolution led to the creation of several prominent universities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shaping the current landscape of higher education in the region. Its legacy highlights the challenges and evolution of academic institutions in post-colonial Africa.

## Notable For
- **Centralization of higher education**: UNAZA was created by merging multiple existing universities into a single national institution.
- **Short but impactful existence**: Despite operating for only a decade (1971–1981), it significantly influenced the development of higher education in Zaire.
- **Precursor to major universities**: Its dissolution led to the establishment of key universities in the DRC, including Université de Kinshasa and Université de Lubumbashi.
- **Reflection of national policies**: UNAZA’s creation and structure mirrored the broader political and administrative reforms under Mobutu’s regime.
- **Multilingual presence**: Recognized in multiple languages, with Wikipedia entries in Catalan, English, Esperanto, Spanish, Persian, French, Gikuyu, Japanese, Latin, and Portuguese.

## Body
### Formation and Structure
The National University of Zaire (UNAZA) was established in 1971 as part of a national effort to centralize higher education in Zaire. It was formed by merging four existing institutions:
- **Lovanium University**: Founded in 1954, it was the first university in the Belgian Congo.
- **Université officielle du Congo (Lubumbashi)**: Established in 1955 in Lubumbashi.
- **Université libre du Congo (Kisangani)**: Founded in 1963 in Kisangani.
- **Faculté de théologie protestante au Zaïre**: A Protestant theology faculty.

### Campuses and Locations
UNAZA operated multiple campuses across Zaire, with its headquarters in Kinshasa. Other major campuses were located in Lubumbashi and Kisangani, which later became independent universities after UNAZA’s dissolution.

### Dissolution and Legacy
In 1981, UNAZA was dissolved, and its campuses were reorganized into separate universities:
- **Université de Kinshasa**: Became an independent public university in Kinshasa.
- **Université de Lubumbashi**: Continued as a major university in Lubumbashi.
- **University of Kisangani**: Evolved from the former Université libre du Congo campus.

### Identifiers and References
UNAZA is documented in various academic and library systems, including:
- **ISNI**: 0000000119398387
- **VIAF ID**: 128994304
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n79097459
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID**: 12005246h

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "National University of Zaire",
  "description": "Former university in Zaire (1971–81) formed by merging several institutions and later dissolved into independent universities.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3345905",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_University_of_Zaire"
  ],
  "additionalType": "University"
}

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities