The Association of African Universities (AAU) has urged universities across the continent to revise their curricula to equip graduates with digital skills to enhance their employability and competence in the modern workforce.
Expressing concern over the low levels of digital literacy among African University graduates, the AAU underscored the need for graduates to be proficient in using digital tools such as data analysis software and online collaboration platforms.
The Association said graduates should possess skills related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Cybersecurity, among other critical areas.
Professor Olusola Oyewole, Secretary-General, AAU, made the call during a presentation at the virtual commemoration of the Africa Universities’ Day, observed from Monday November 11 to Friday November 15, 2024.
He stated that by equipping students with those vital skills, African universities could ensure that their graduates were capable of leveraging technology to solve complex problems and drive innovation within their respective fields.
“This will also ensure that they can contribute effectively to addressing the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities,” Prof. Oyewole added.
The Africa Universities’ Day is a key statutory event on the AAU’s calendar, observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Association on November 12, 1967, in Rabat, Morocco, as well as to highlight the contributions of the higher education sector to the development of the African continent.
This year’s celebration, on the theme: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”, marked 57 years since the establishment of the AAU in 1967 to promote Africa’s higher education sector.
Highlighting the key challenges faced by the sector, Prof. Oyewole mentioned inadequate infrastructure and resources, out-dated curricula, and regional, gender, and socioeconomic disparities among others.
He called on African governments and the private sector to increase their investments in the higher education sector.
Prof. Oyewole emphasised the need to equip students with the ability to analyse complex situations, evaluate information critically, and make informed decisions.
He advocated for a shift from an “overemphasis on certificates” to a focus on employable skills for students.
“Graduates need to be able to identify problems, assess possible solutions, and implement effective strategies,” he said.
Prof. Bakri Osman Saeed, President, AAU, said stakeholders must build resilient education systems that adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st century.
He called for more interregional collaboration to address existing gaps and assured stakeholders that the AAU would continue to foster collaborations and partnerships to advance higher education on the continent.
“We must focus on bridging gaps in equity and inclusion, particularly for girls, children in rural areas, those with disabilities, and communities in conflict-affected regions,” Prof. Saeed said.
Stakeholders and panellists who participated in this year’s weeklong virtual Africa Universities’ Day Celebration discussed key issues impacting higher education in Africa and proposed measures to improve higher education on the continent.
Key among the recommendations was the need for retooling of universities with modern infrastructure and digital facilities to equip students with employable skills and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The Africa Universities’ Day events also celebrated the achievements of higher education institutions across the continent and highlighted their contributions to Africa’s development.
