The Africanisation of the university in Africa

The debate on the Africanisation of Universities in Africa has been ongoing for several decades, but little has been done to implement theories that have emerged. One might ask whether the debate was unfounded and even mistaken and/ or whether its expectations are simply unrealistic and nave when one considers the historical and institutionalised socio-political challenges it faces. However, if we consider that the scientific enterprise, including that in Europe, has a vested interest in what African Universities or Africa does with regard to this issue, then it appears that we need to address it at least for our own benefit and the benefit of the people of our continent. Another reason why we need to address it, is that the so-called postmodern condition has opened a space for people faced with the realities and the disappointments of the modern condition and its programmes, to engage the uncovering and legitimising and meaning giving narratives about themselves and their communities.