By Felix Khanoba
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for the integration of indigenous knowledge into Africa’s education systems as a strategy to tackle the continent’s pressing challenges.
Shettima made the call on Tuesday during the opening plenary of the Africa Student Leaders General Assembly and Ordinary Congress in Abuja.
The event has its theme as; “Pro-Africa Education System: A Key to Unlocking Africa’s Potentials.”
Addressing the delegates, Shettima, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Mahmud Muhammed, urged African students to embrace the realities of the continent while striving for global excellence.
“Our education system must be rooted in African realities while reaching out for global excellence. It must address our challenges while celebrating our strengths,” he said.
“We must ensure that our education becomes holistic, addressing not just academic knowledge, but also practical skills and critical thinking as well as solutions to real-world problems. We need an education that builds bridges between learning and doing, between tradition and innovation, and between wisdom and global knowledge.
“A pro-Africa education system must integrate indigenous knowledge to address modern challenges. To do this, embracing technology and innovation is essential, which will prepare our youth to be creators rather than just mere consumers. Additionally, community engagement is crucial to link education to local development and address real-world challenges. Distinguished delegates from the African continent, the time for action is now.”
The keynote speaker, Professor David Namwandi, a former Namibian Minister of Education and founder of the International University of Management, who commended the President of All African Students Union (AASU), Comrade Osisiogu Osikenyi for hosting the continental event echoed the Vice President’s sentiments.
He emphasized the need for a robust, practical approach to education to unlock Africa’s vast potential.
“For education to unlock Africa’s full potentials, we must address some critical issues,” Namwandi said. “First, the curriculum: We must adopt a pro-African curriculum that prioritizes African history, culture, and innovation while embracing global advancements. This approach will cultivate pride in our heritage and inspire solutions to our continent’s challenges.
“Second, technology integration: As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, Africa must leverage technology to expand access to education through e-learning platforms and digital resources.
“Third, richer research and innovation: African universities must prioritize research that drives industrialization and economic growth. By investing in research and development, we can create homegrown solutions to African civic problems.”
Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo, described the event as a “clarion call to ignite a transformative renaissance in Africa’s education system.”
“This gathering of young intellectuals and visionary leaders across Africa is a testament to the strength of our collective resolve to chart a brighter future for education and youth development across the continent,” he said.
Ashefon expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu, to massively develop the nation’s education reform by widening access under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), urged participants to use the assembly as a platform for fostering unity and driving progress across Africa.
“This assembly offers an unparalleled platform to deliberate, innovate, and proffer solutions to the multifaceted challenges impeding the educational and socio-economic emancipation of our people,” Emonefe, represented by NANS Senate President Akinteye Afeez, said.
Delegates from several African nations attended the event, which was organized by the All African Students Union (AASU) in collaboration with Reachout World Day, NNPC, and other partners.
