‘Students should be groomed in true African culture’

Founder of Graça Machel Trust, South Africa, Mrs. Graca Machel, has stressed the need for African students to be grounded in the true African culture that could impact the society.

Speaking at a programme organised by the African Leadership Group in partnership with Murtala Muhammed Foundation, tagged “An evening with Graca Machel and Fred Swaniker,” Machel insisted that true Africans students must be drilled in real African philosophy and beliefs for the overall development of the continent.

According to her, “We need to culturally ground students in what it means to be African, so that they can graduate from the universities thinking of what the impact of their careers could offer the continent, not just their countries.”
Swaniker, the founder of African Leadership University (ALU), on his part, stated that the institution was making great efforts to develop the African economy and support businesses in Africa to strengthen their top-middle managers.

He said, “In 2016, ALU will launch an innovative part time MBA programme, designed in conjunction with top global business schools and leadership training institutions. This programme will select the highest potential managers from across the continent and teach best global business practices that are relevant to Africa.”

Swaniker, who said Africa was vast in arts and culture, which are vital parts of the society, added that the continent has great potential to develop its creative industry. “As an African community, we must work as a united front to revolutionise education in our continent.”

He, however, stressed the need to equip those who studied arts with entrepreneurial skills so that they can actually make a living from their craft, while contributing to enhancing African culture.

Despite various concerns and challenges, the speakers respectively urged employers to provide students with work experiences through internships, while individuals could assist in the physical development of schools as well as those who are willing and able to offer voluntary services.

An award winning Zambian film maker, Ngosa Chungu, who was in attendance, urged the panel to consider how tertiary education institutions could contribute to strengthening Africa’s creative industry and alternative careers.