The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy was initially a product of Kivukoni College. In February 1958, the National Conference of TANU held in Tabora passed a Resolution to establish a college for adults in line with Ruskin College in Oxford. The College was intended to be a tool for spreading understanding of social, political and economic problems facing underdeveloped countries. Tanganyika was one of such countries whose people were likely to become leaders in a newly independent country but did not have the qualifications necessary to enter educational institutions. The Adult College was formally established on 29th July 1961 as a private company under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 212). The Institution was named Kivukoni College. While inaugurating Kivukoni College, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the President of TANU and the Prime Minister of Tanganyika by then, had this to say about the name of the College.

Vision
The vision of MNMA is to become a centre of excellence for knowledge acquisition and adoption which provides education and training for creativity and innovativeness and promotes peace and national unity.


Mission
The Mission of the Academy is to dedicate itself to the advancement of lifelong learning through excellence in teaching, research, consultancy and public service in a challenging and supportive learning environment where the pursuit of knowledge, creative enquiry, critical thinking and applied skills are cultivated and sustained.