African University Day: Internationalisation of higher education

By Bob Aston

The Association of African Universities (AAU) in collaboration with other stakeholders will celebrate the 2015 African University Day at the Ashesi University, Berekuso, in the Eastern Region of Ghana on November 12, 2015. The theme of African University Day 2015 is “Internationalisation of Higher Education.”

This year’s theme, amplifies the discussions at the recent Conference of Rectors, Vice Chancellors, and Presidents of African Higher Education Institutions (COREVIP) held in Kigali, Rwanda, in June this year. Internationalisation is now an integral part of higher education in all parts of the world and in many instances; it is a major driving force for change in universities.

Kenyatta University in Kenya

AAU will bring together all universities, including private universities, other tertiary education institutions, non-higher education institutions, and other higher education stakeholders to discuss the theme through a public lecture at Ashesi University.

Past celebrations have been in the form of exhibitions, seminars, workshops, or panel discussions involving policy-makers and major stakeholders. During the celebrations, institutions are encouraged to adopt innovative strategies to improve educational outcomes on the continent.

The objectives of African University Day include creating awareness on the importance of higher education in Africa, Promoting dialogue on how to improve higher education in Africa and celebrating the success stories of higher education in Africa.

This year’s celebration aims at creating the platform for intellectual discussions and debates on the key issues African universities should focus on, as they internationalise to ensure that institutions and students derive the full benefits of such collaborations.

African University Day celebrations usually encourage Higher Education Institutions to run programs that are relevant to their county’ needs. Institutions are also encouraged to provide the necessary skills to their students to facilitate their eventual employment.

AAU is the apex organization and forum for consultation, exchange of information and co-operation among institutions of Higher Education in Africa.

University of Nairobi in Kenya

It represents the voice of higher education in Africa on Regional and International bodies and supports networking by institutions of higher education in teaching, research, information exchange, and dissemination.

In a world that is, inevitably globalized, working and collaborating with institutions in all parts of the world, on clear agreed terms, can only be enriching for universities and students in Africa.

With an objective of presenting a unique platform to promote critical dialogue among stakeholders on how to improve higher education in Africa, higher education institutions since 2006 have celebrated the Day. It is also set aside to celebrate success stories of higher education across the continent.

Media coverage and social media reporting will communicate broadly about the African University Day celebrations. Follow the event live at #AUDAY2015.

Source: Association of African Universities (AAU)