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History

The project of a Catholic University in Angola began to take shape within the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST), in the 1990s. The dynamism of the project was entrusted to the then President of CEAST, Dom Alexandre Cardeal do Nascimento. The use of the experience of the Catholic University of Portugal (UCP), in the person of Dom António Cardeal Ribeiro, Chancellor of the UCP, and in a special way, of Dom José Policarpo (of happy memory), and also of the then Rector of the UCP, Prof. Doctor Manuel Isidro de Araújo Alves was instrumental in boosting the first steps of the UCAN project, highlighting here the dynamism and dedication of Mons. Canon José Alves Cachadinha and the support of the Kennedy Foundation.

In order to move towards the realization of this project, a high-level commission was set up in Lisbon to study the possibility of supporting the organization, structuring and sponsorship of the future Catholic University of Angola. With the opening of the Education System in Angola to private initiative, the Government of Angola grants to the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé, (CEAST) the authorization to create the Catholic University of Angola (UCAN) as the only higher education institution of the church Catholic through Decree nº 38-A/92 of 7 August.

1992: Creation of the work team at the UCP, under the guidance of Cardinal D. Alexandre do Nascimento and Engº Roberto Carneiro.
7 August 1992: Decree 38-A/92 of the Council of Ministers authorizes CEAST to create the Catholic University of Angola (UCA), as an institution of the Catholic Church. But the war and other vicissitudes postponed the creation of the Catholic University of Angola.
Appointment of a working group to continue by His Eminence Cardinal D. Alexandre do Nascimento.
1997: Creation of the UCAN Installing Commission, at the second Plenary Meeting of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and S. Tomé (CEAST), constituted by the Reverend Dom Damião Franklim, Auxiliary Bishop of Luanda, appointed President of the Commission; Reverend Fr. Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias; Reverend Monsignor José Alves Cachadinha; Reverend Fr. Manuel Gonçalves of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.
1997: Creation of the Catholic University of Angola, by the President of CEAST, D. Zacarias Kamwenho, through a Decree, which establishes that, by virtue of functions, the Chancellor of UCAN is the Archbishop of Luanda.
1997/1998: Transfer, for a period of ten years, of the premises of Colégio S. José do Cluny, where the UCAN started to function. The building, which, after long years of appropriation by the State, had recently been returned to the Church, required extensive renovation work.
1998: Approval of the UCAN logo, based on several submitted proposals. 1999: Appointment of the UCAN Board of Directors, by His Eminence Cardinal Dom Alexandre do Nascimento, Archbishop of Luanda, in his capacity as Chancellor: D. Damião Franklin , Auxiliary Bishop of Luanda, Rector Magnificent; Reverend Fr. Doctor Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias, Vice-Rector; Mons. DR. José Domingos Alves Cachadinha, Director of the Library, Documentation and Information Section; Reverend Fr. Doctor Manuel Gonçalves, Director of Administrative Affairs.
1999: Beginning of classes for the first Propedeutics (Law and Economics and Management), on the 22nd of February, the day of the Chair of St. Peter, with 349 enrolled, 228 of which in Law and 121 in Economics and Management and 14 professors.
1999: March 15, 1999: Opening of the UCAN Library. It was organized in two dimensions: a classic library with 15,000 books and a virtual library.
1999: 19th and 20th October: inaugural act of the UCAN, with the presence of the representative of the Holy Father, His Eminence D. Alexandre Cardinal do Nascimento, the Apostolic Nuncio of Angola, the Minister of Education, Rector of the UCP who offered the prayer of sapience, the Rector of the Agostinho Neto University, Bishops, Church Pastors, Sisters, Professors and Students.
1999:September: Erection of the Faculty of Informatics Engineering and Cisco Network Technical Courses.
1999: October 1999: Opening of the first degree courses in Economics and Management and Law, with Justino Pinto de Andrade (Economics and Management) and Adérito Belmiro Correia (Law) as deans of the faculties.
1999:November: Erection of the Faculties of Economics and Management and of Law.
2001: March 24: Succession of His Eminence Cardinal D. Alexandre do Nascimento, in the position of Chancellor of UCAN, by D. Damião Franklin, Rector of the Catholic University of Angola.
2002: Creation, by Dispatch nº 08/02, of CEIC - Center for Studies and Scientific Investigation, the first organic research unit of UCAN to promote and coordinate research and scientific investigation activities. Appointed director Dr. Emídio Grion and Academic Director Dr. Enes Ferreira.
2002: The first governing body of the UCAN Students' Association (AEUCAN) takes office, with law student Antónia Cruz as its president.
2002: Institutionalization the day of the Catholic University of Angola, the 28th of August, the day of St. Augustine, chosen by all Catholic universities in the world, because for many he is considered “the wisest saint and the holiest sage”.

2002: Beginning of the Computer Engineering course at the created Faculty of Engineering, under the direction of Engº Aires Veloso.
2002: The first Academic Parade takes place along the streets of the capital city, an act that has become a tradition at UCAN, mobilizing the student community and bringing color and joy to the city of Luanda.
2003: Inauguration of the first facilities on the UCAN Campus in Palanca, where the Propedeutic Year begins to function.
2003: Appointment of Rev.mo Fr. José Manuel Imbamba for Secretary General of UCAN.
2003: March 10: creation of the Faculty of Human Sciences directed by DR. Antonio Fernandes da Costa. The Faculty's first course is Languages and Administration.
2004: Appointment of the Vice-Rector of UCAN, Fr. Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias, Auxiliary Bishop of Luanda.
2004: Rediscovery of the giant sable, within the framework of the CEIC Project.
2004: Diplomas are awarded to the first UCAN graduates, a total of 28, from the Economics and Management course.
2005: Appointment of Dom Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias, Bishop of Cabinda, leaving the position of Vice-Rector of UCAN.
2005: Award of diplomas to the first graduates of UCAN in Law.
2006: Awarded the “Whitley Award” to CEIC, for the rediscovery of the giant sable.
2006: UCAN's first computer engineers receive diplomas.
2006: Appointment of Rev.mo Fr. doctor António Martins da Torre (SVD) for Acting Vice-Rector of UCAN.
2007: In March, inauguration of the main building of the UCAN university campus;
2007: Diplomas awarded to the first graduates in Languages and Administration at UCAN.
2007: Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences, DR. António Costa distinguished with the National Prize for Culture and Arts, as a researcher.
2008: In October the General Secretary of UCAN, Fr. José Manuel Imbamba, is appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Dundo.
2008: Creation of the Graduate School and appointment of its Director, Dr. José Gonçalves Amaral;
2009: In January, after 10 years at Colégio S. José do Clunny, UCAN definitively transfers its facilities to Palanca, where the construction of its university campus is planned.
2010: Creation of the Faculty of Theology and appointment of its Dean, Reverend Fr. Doctor Jeronimo Cahinga.
2010: Institutionalization of the Catholic Luanda Business School (CLBS) which offers the Executive Master MBA Atlântico - Master in Business and Administration and courses to train top managers and internationalize education in the Portuguese-speaking world.
2011: In November, Rev. Foot. Jerónimo Cahinga is appointed Vice-Rector, by Order of the Rector.
2013: In January, Dr. Maria Helena Santos Miguel, appointed Vice-Rector, by Order of the Magº Rector D. Damião Franklin.
2013: In March, the Magº Rector, D. Damião Franklin, defines the functions of the two Vice-Rectors, establishing that the Rev. Foot. Jerónimo Cahinga is in charge of coordinating the research and extension centers and Dr. Mª Helena for the academic area.
2013: Magnificent Rector, His Excellency Dom Damião Franklin resigns as Rector of UCAN, for health reasons.
2013: In June, creation, by CEAST, of the University Management Commission to administer the current activities of the UCAN, while the new Rector was not appointed. Commission members: Dom José Manuel Imbamba, coordinator; Dom António Jaka, Bishop of Caxito; Dr. Maria Helena R.P. Miguel; doctor Alves da Rocha; Dr. Jeanine Silveira, and Dr. Emilio Londa.
2013: 31 July UCAN loses one of its founders: Fr. Manuel Goncalves.
2013: August 19, UCAN honors its first Rector, D. Damião Franklin.
2013: The Office for the Development of Careers and Institutional Cooperation (GDCCI) is created and its Chief of Office is appointed Fr, Apolinário Hilemusinda.
2013: September 2nd, the Commission for the revision of the UCAN Statutes and Regulations is appointed: Friar Luís de França, Dr. Laurindo Viagem, Dr. Benja Satula.
2013: In September, the group of UCAN Law students won 1st place in the 22nd Simulated Court Competition, held in Cape Town.
2013: The Archbishop of Saurimo, Vice-President of CEAST, Dom José Manuel Imbamba, is the third Chancellor of UCAN.
2014: UCAN signs the Scholarship and Employability Program Protocol with Ernst Young.
2014: On the 7th of March, the new Rectoral team, appointed in November 2013, takes office. The second Magº Rector, Fr. DR. José Vicente Cacuchi, assisted by Dr. Mª Helena R. P. Santos Miguel, Vice-Rector for the Academic Area; Foot. DR. Jerónimo Cahinga, Vice-Rector for Research and University Extension and Dr. Laurindo Miji Viagem, General Secretary.
2014: April and May, investiture of deans, vice deans and service directors.
2014:April, UCAN loses one of its founders and its first Rector, D. Damião Antonio Franklin.

2014: on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of UCAN, tribute to Monsignor José Cachadinha, assigning the name of Monsignor José Cachadinha to the UCAN Library, which is now called the Monsignor José Cachadinha Library (BMJC).

2014: Constitution of ALUMNI UCAN, on December 5th, in Luanda.

2015: in February, constitution of the Scientific Council of UCAN, chaired by the Vice-Rector for Research and Extension, Fr. DR. Jeronimo Cahinga.
2016: December 15th, UCAN signs agreement with HUAWEI.
2015: Launch of the first academic master's degree at UCAN, at the Faculty of Economics, in the areas of Economics and Energy Management and Development Economics.
2017: on March 22, presentation of the Academic Fair of the Catholic University of Angola (FAUCAN).
2017: in May 2017, UCAN loses one of its founders: Monsignor José Cachadinha, member of the Installation Commission and founder and first Director of the Library.
2017: In June, the Governor of Cunene, Prof. doctor António Didalelwa, awarded a certificate of recognition to UCAN.
2017: In September, institutionalization of the G4 (UCAN, UGS, UnIA and UPRA), at UCAN.
2017: November 8, 2017, Rectoral team is renewed for the second term, until November 8, 2021.
2017: November, Launch of the “Huawei Academia” Program at UCAN.
2018: In April, opening of the LAB Documentation Center.
2018: Presentation of the Technological Research Center (CIT).
2018: Activation of CEA - Center for African Studies, with the appointment of its first director: Nélson Pestana.
2018: In May, presentation of the project “Campus of Health, Knowledge and Medicine”.
2018: In May, signing, at UCAN, of the cooperation protocol between the G4 and the Open University (UAb) and the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences (ISCSP), both in Portugal.
2018: The League of Former Students of UCAN, ALUMNI, holds the first alumni session at UCAN on the 14th of June, under the theme “The UCAN Legacy of Excellence: Professional Ethics and Citizenship”.
2018: In June, the Petroleum Engineering laboratories are inaugurated with three parts: “Simulation and Modeling”, “Mud and Drilling and Well Completion” and “Rock and Fluids Characterization”.
2018: In July, UCAN establishes the Ethics Committee for Research in Human Beings, coordinated by Prof. DR. Marli Santana.
2018: Since September 18, UCAN is a member of the Magna Charta Universitatum. The accession ceremony took place at the University of Salamanca, in Spain.
2018: The UCAN has, since November 21, the Corner of Korea, the “Korea Corner”, located at the entrance of the Library.
2019: in January, the process of integrating the ISUP and merging the Major Seminary of Luanda with the Faculty of Theology begins
2019: in February, the Postgraduate Course in Pedagogical Aggregation is created, and Prof. Dr. Ana Rocha.
2019: in February, UCAN opens its doors to international academic mobility, sending its first student and professor to the University of Bologna.
2019: In February, the Faculty of Engineering splits, becoming the Faculty of Engineering of IRMAT (Institute of Material Resources, Environment and Technology).
2019: Title of Doctor Honoris Causa in Law, awarded to His Eminence D. Alexandre Cardinal do Nascimento.
2019: Episcopal Commission for the UCAN (CEUC) meets with the members of the Rectory to find out about the situation at the UCAN.
2019: in April, Start of the first edition of the Postgraduate Course in Pedagogical Aggregation.
2019: Tribute Prof. DR. Fernando França Van-Dúnem for the 50th anniversary of his doctoral thesis.
2019: First public defense of a professor at UCAN: Prof. doctor António Fernandes da Costa, for career promotion, becoming full professor.
2019: In July, the Portuguese Language Chair, CaLP-UCAN, is created and Prof. DR. António F. da Costa is named its director.
2019: In September, launch of the Scientific Initiation Program for students, in the Coordination of Health Courses.
2019: In September, the lyrics of the UCAN Anthem are chosen by a Jury, scrutinizing the texts presented in an open competition for this purpose.
2019: In December, opening of the Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law.
2019: The signing of protocol with the Catholic University of North Westphalia, Germany.
2019: In December, 1st Festival of University Choirs, organized by UCAN, with seven HEIs participating (six from Luanda and one from Benguela). UCAN took first prize.
2020: In August, the Director of the UCAN Library, Dr. Marcos Malembe.
2020: On 10 December, unveiling of the bust of D. Damião Franklin and public presentation of the UCAN Anthem, by Dr. Maria Helena Miguel (lyrics) and Fr. Moses Rafael (music).
2021: on March 11, FDUCAN inaugurates the Mock Court room.
2021: in April, UCAN and Liga ALUMNI sign a cooperation protocol.
2021:CID launches the "Etinerante University" Project.
2021: in June, UCAN and Universidade Lueji a Nkonde signed