Institutions of higher learning must embrace inclusive growth, technology — Dr Mkandawire
The Association of African Universities (AAU) has called on higher education institutions across the continent to embrace technology, innovation and inclusive growth as the foundation for the future of learning in Africa.
That, according to the Senior Programme Manager of the association, Dr Sylvia Mkandawire, would ensure that universities on the continent remained globally competitive, socially responsive, and equipped to produce graduates who could drive sustainable development.
Dr Mkandawire who was speaking at the University of Professional Studies in Accra (UPSA) as part of activities to mark this year’s Africa Universities Day celebration said the future of African universities depended on their ability to adapt to changing global trends and the evolving demands of the 21st-century economy.
The ceremony, which was on the theme; “The future of learning in Africa: technology, innovation, skills and inclusive growth,” brought together policymakers, development partners, the academia, students and stakeholders from across the continent.
Transformation
Dr Mkandawire said November 12, each year was a special occasion for the African higher education community to reflect and renew its commitment to shaping “The Africa We Want.”
She said the theme for the celebration captured the essence of the bold journey African universities were undertaking to among others rethink what they thought.
“For over five decades, the AAU has converged more than 450 universities across Africa into a single vibrant network of knowledge, innovation and collaboration,” she said and explained that the association’s ongoing digitisation agenda, embedded in its 2024–2030 strategic plan, was supporting universities in modernising their systems, enhancing e-learning platforms and strengthening digital quality assurance.
Dr Mkandawire said “These efforts have already trained over 37,000 postgraduate students, including 7,513 PhD holders, and driven groundbreaking research in health, climate resilience, digital technology and food security.”
The Secretary General of the AAU, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, who also graced the ceremony, urged African universities to reimagine learning as a dynamic, lifelong and inclusive experience capable of transforming societies.
He said this year’s celebration, which also marked the 50th anniversary of the AAU, offered timely opportunities which reflected on the role of higher education.
He explained that technology, innovation, skill development and inclusive growth were the four pillars guiding the future of education in Africa, stressing that universities must align their programmes with the realities of the modern world.
“Our professors should no longer be counting journal publications but the innovations made through their research to promote development,” Professor Oyewole added.
