Systems change globally will require institutions to produce the kind of education envisioned in their Education model.” These were the words of human and organizational systems expert, Professor George Fedha from the United States, during his visit to African Rural University (ARU) this morning. Professor Fedha traveled from Fielding Graduate University to engage with ARU on a potential partnership around a Master’s in Rural Transformation and Innovation (MRTI) programme.

The ARU Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe, a senior Ashoka Fellow, thanked Professor Fedha for his steadfast commitment to the partnership, which seeks to decolonize higher education and enhance development outcomes.

During the engagement, several issues were discussed, including alignment and implementation of the Masters programme, as well as opportunities for emerging partnerships under Fielding–ARU collaboration, including a new partner, Excelsior University.

In 2025, the ARU Council approved the Masters in Rural Transformation