Patrick Awuah in an effort to understand the failings of leadership in Africa traces the problem to prevailing educational systems and describes how a new approach must be adopted for the more effective results that will become necessary for the future. He specifically mentions his perception on how students from universities in Ghana, graduate with a sense of entitlement rather than responsibility. An occurrence which I believe holds true for a larger part of the continent.



For there to be real development, methods of instruction must emphasize critical and creative thinking. The continent is in dire need of individuals who possess intellectual capability, proficiency and moral competence. In essence, educational systems must be driven more towards producing individuals who are highly proficient in their respective fields and eager to explore innovative avenues for solving real world problems in the most ethical manner.

A system still grappling with traditional mediums cannot compete in the global arena. It should expand to include new mediums and principles that promote not only the mathematical and scientific genius that drives technological advancement but also the creative innovations that stretch limitations and break boundaries. In this way, the sciences promote the arts and the arts drive the sciences; a uniquely symbiotic process that ensures a wider reach and fosters a learning environment within which knowledge, ideas and resources can be applied to problem solving.

As developed nations move towards developing newer educational paradigms, the African continent will also need to embark on a similar shift which allows younger generations to develop a state of mind that keeps us keenly aware of the changes, both apparent and subtle, happening around us constantly. A state of constant curiosity which precedes the thought and practical process necessary for dealing with the challenges of the future.

Noting the Nuances, Part 3.

Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod, in their updated version of the highly acclaimed video “Shift Happens” deliver a compelling presentation; outlining certain changes happening around the world that shape the way we live and will continue to do so for quite some time. In many ways, the presentation is a call to the younger generation as well as to educational institutions urging them to modify instructional models to prepare for the challenges of the future. As world economies inch steadily towards globalization, Africa’s position, or lack thereof, in the light of circumstances described in the presentation becomes even more uncertain. If we still struggle with the problems of poverty, disease, and war; how can we hope to thrive in a global arena?

In his book The World is Flat, Thomas Friedman outlines some basic necessities that nations must possess in order to have a comparative advantage with others. He mentions Governance, Infrastructure and Education and insightfully notes how the movement of capital/investment from developed to developing nations is driven by these factors. “…capital does not just move around the world looking for the cheapest labor….It is looking for the most productive labor at the cheapest price, and that requires you to get those three basics right.” As the problem of governance remains a huge part of the African predicament, many have turned to private initiatives as it seems African leaders lack the will or wherewithal to brings us out of our present state.