The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences hosted a two-day conference themed “Transforming Universities for 21st-Century Africa,” providing a crucial platform for reflection and action on the challenges and opportunities facing the continent’s higher education sector.
The conference brought together a distinguished audience of academics, policymakers, and stakeholders, all committed to transforming higher education to meet the demands of the 21st century. Discussions centered on sustainable solutions to enhance governance, funding, curricula, and the overall role of universities in Africa’s development.
Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey of the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, delivered an address on reimagining African higher education. Speaking at the closing session of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences’ Higher Education Project Conference in Accra, Prof. Aryeetey emphasized the urgent need for transformation.
Prof. Aryeetey emphasized that African universities are at a central juncture, balancing the pursuit of global competitiveness with the need to maintain local relevance. He painted a vivid picture of the sector’s challenges and opportunities, noting that surging populations and accelerating economic growth have led to an unprecedented demand for higher education. While this demand presents immense opportunities, it also exposes critical weaknesses in funding, infrastructure, and the alignment of educational outcomes with societal needs.
Also at the conference, Dr. Abdul Gafa Oshodi of Lagos State University presented a detailed analysis of China’s growing influence in African universities, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria. He discussed China’s impact on trade, development finance, and higher education, highlighting infrastructure projects and academic programs like Confucius Institutes and China-focused studies. Oshodi outlined two possible futures for African universities: one where they become closely tied to China’s political and economic interests, limiting critical engagement, and another where universities balance collaboration with China while maintaining academic independence.
Political science and history lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr. Eugene Anderson discussed the role of university students in governance and leadership, focusing on how they create spaces for critical thought and activism. She traced the evolution of student activism from the 20th century, when students fought for African independence, to the 21st century, where activism now takes new forms, including digital platforms.
She highlighted challenges like the abolition of student governance structures in Ghana, which limit students’ ability to express critical views. Despite obstacles such as lack of resources and political interference, Dr. Anderson emphasized that students continue to be the conscience of the nation, pushing for socio-political change and shaping the future of higher education in Africa.
Joining the roundtable discussions were esteemed experts, including former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, Prof. Peter Wekesa of Kenyatta University, and Dr. Evans Takyi, Head of Compliance at the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and representing the All Africa Students Union, Samuel Sasu Adoteng.
A roundtable discussion on the future of higher education in Africa was the highlight of the conference, themed “Making Higher Education Work for Africa”
Panelists voiced concerns over persistent government interference and insufficient funding, both of which hinder the growth and effectiveness of universities. Calls for strong leadership within institutions to drive meaningful reforms were also prominenet throughout the discussion
A key theme was the urgent need to diversify university funding sources. Panelists encouraged institutions to partner with industries, secure international donor support, and establish venture capital funds to back entrepreneurial ventures initiated by students and faculty. These steps, they argued, would not only reduce reliance on government funding but also stimulate innovation and economic growth.
The roundtable provided actionable insights and strategies to empower African universities as engines of development, ensuring they are equipped to address the continent’s educational and socio-economic chchallenges.
The opening session of the conference on higher education, held on Thursday, November 28, 2024, provided a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing African universities. This inaugural session set the stage for meaningful dialogue, focusing on the higher education project and lessons learned from ongoing efforts.
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Story by: Cindy Selasi Humade | www.univers.edu.gh
