Former Ghanaian President Calls on African Universities to Embrace Technology
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to continue to collaborate with African Universities, in a bid to play up the education of the people.
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, stated this during the 23rd Convocation of Lagos State University and commissioning of the new Senate Building at the University Campus.
Osinbajo delivered the convocation lecture before inaugurating the Senate Building. He said the time has come for African countries to invest more in education to lift the continent out of poverty.
The Vice President explained that this has become imperative, owing to the fact that education remains the most important force to global change. He also emphasized the need for more premiums to be placed on girls’ education.
Osinbajo spoke on the theme: “African Centers of Excellence in African Universities: A Veritable Catalyst for Nation Building and Development”. He stressed the need for universities in Africa to be at the forefront of building research and collaboration to find lasting solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the continent.
Also speaking at the occasion, a Former Ghanaian President urged African universities to move away from the colonial system of education and focus on science and technology.
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John Dramani Mahama, who chaired the convocation lecture, said this would engender the growth and development of the continent.
Mahama explained that universities in Africa must provide idealistic leadership and have academic independence. Speaking further, he said political institutions must also shun intervention with the running of academic institutions.
He stressed that there must be adequate funding in order for African universities to set the tone as African centers of excellence. In addition, they must also collaborate with each other in terms of numerous campuses for different concentrations in different countries.
Quoting the Ex-President:
“African universities can help bridge the gap created in African countries by focusing on science, technology, and innovation, which can be the catalysts for the development of Africa”.
