President Mahama Calls for Enhanced Collaboration in African Higher Education
During the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) initiative, President John Dramani Mahama urged African nations to strengthen collaboration in higher education and research. Addressing the Association of African Universities (AAU) and key stakeholders, including the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), President Mahama emphasized the need for collective action to tackle pressing issues such as food security, climate change, digital transformation, and public health.
“Through sustained academic engagement and coordinated investment, we can equip the next generation with the technical and entrepreneurial skills to harness these technologies, drive local innovation, and position Africans as a competitive force in the fourth industrial revolution,” he stated.
In her keynote address, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, expressed her confidence in the potential of African youth as vital assets for education and economic growth. She highlighted the importance of innovation, accountability, and strategic partnerships to revitalize the education sector, calling for a skill-focused reform of the AAU’s orientation program.
Professor Amfo also underscored the necessity of maintaining educational standards and safeguarding the integrity of academic certificates, especially amidst growing concerns about transnational education.
As the AAU celebration continues, it is essential to address the challenges facing the education system, such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and teacher quality. The need for relevant and updated curricula is also critical.
The celebration serves as a reminder that enhancing education is a collective responsibility not only for governments and international organizations but also for individuals, organizations, and the corporate community. Together, we can foster an environment where learning thrives and educational transformation is realized.
By: Frank Owusu Obimpeh
