The éPéUniversité Pédagogique Nationale (UPN), formerly known as the Institut Pédagogique National (IPN), and also referred to as the National Pedagogical University, is a public institution of higher education with the mission of training and enhancing the skills of teachers, as well as promoting studies and research in the field of applied pedagogy. Situated in the Ngaliema commune of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the university is headed by Professor Masanga Maponda Anastasie. Established in 1961, it is the first pedagogical university in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
History
The Institut Pédagogique National (IPN) was created by Ordinance No. 73 of September 22, 1961, to address the shortage of teachers caused by the departure of Belgian teachers during the Congo Crisis. The Congolese government recruited expatriate teachers with the help of UNESCO to train qualified teachers for secondary education. The institute opened its doors on October 8, 1961, and launched the Ecole Normale Moyenne Pilote (ENMP) for training science graduates for lower secondary education on October 25. On December 6, 1969, the IPN inaugurated its Ecole Normale Supérieure for training associates in sciences intended for upper secondary education. It later transforms into a bachelor's degree section to train graduates in applied pedagogy. Through Ordinance Law n°71-075 of August 6, 1971, the IPN became part of the National University of Zaire (Université nationale du Zaïre; UNAZA), encompassing university campuses and higher technical institutes.
From the reform that concluded the UNAZA era until the 2003–2004 academic year, the IPN was governed by Ordinance Law n°18-145 of October 3, 1981. By decree n°05/007 of February 23, 2005, the IPN became a public institution and was named the Université Pédagogique Nationale by then-President Joseph Kabila. It became the second public university in Kinshasa.
Rehabilitation
In April 2022, the Minister of Higher and University Education (Enseignement Supérieur et Universitaire; ESU), Muhindo Nzangi, inaugurated construction and rehabilitation works at the UPN. The work is projected to span three years, during which the university will undergo modernization, addressing issues related to the shortage of auditoriums, student housing, and administrative offices.
Notable alumni
Juliette Mbambu Mughole
André Kimbuta
Richard Muyej
Zacharie Bababaswe
References
1961 establishments in Africa
1961 establishments in the Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) Universities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Schools in Kinshasa Universities in Kinshasa