The Association of African Universities (AAU) has called on higher educational institutions in Africa to adopt innovative strategies to improve education on the continent.

Professor Etienne Ehile, Secretary General of AAU urged the universities to contextualise and prioritise its activities by giving preference to national, regional and global activities.

“In a world that is inevitably globalised, 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,” he added.

Prof Ehile made the call in Berekuso in the Eastern Region at the African University Day organised by the AAU in partnership with Ashesi University on the theme: “Internationalisation of Higher Education.”

He said the theme was chosen in furtherance of the discussions at a Conference of Rectors, Vice-Chancellors and Presidents of African Universities held in Kigali in Rwanda in June.

Prof Ehile noted that internationalisation is now an integral part of higher education in all parts of the world and a driving force for change in universities.

He said the day provided a unique platform to promote dialogue among stakeholders.

He explained that the African University Day was instituted and given international backing as a result of the close links between the African Union (AU) and the AAU.

He said following its establishment in 1967, the AAU was accepted as part of the evolving Pan-African organisations under the umbrella of the AU.

Prof Ehile said the AAU is the apex organisation and forum for consultation, exchange of information and co-operation among institutions of higher education in Africa.

“It represented the voice of higher education in Africa on regional and international bodies and supported networking by institutions of higher education in teaching, research, information exchange and dissemination.”

He said the association has been instrumental in building the capacity of member universities through its Leadership Development Programme, Management Development Programme and the University Advancement Programme.

Prof Ehile noted that as members of the global knowledge economy, universities all over the world are increasingly being encouraged to internationalise to reap the benefits of global interconnectedness and avoid the disadvantages of isolation.

He explained that internationalisation includes the policies and practices undertaken by academic systems and institutions and individuals to cope with the global academic environment.

“Operating in a global environment required that higher education institutions especially those in Africa should go international in order to operate effectively.”

Prof Clement Dzidonu, President of Accra Institute of Technology said the world economy is experiencing the effects of rapid globalisation and liberalisation as well the impact of the information age which is driving internationalisation of higher education efforts.

Prof Dzidonu recommended that higher education in Africa needs to recognise and take steps to mitigate and address the risks associated with education on the continent.

He said educational expansion policies should be implemented in partnership with policies to improve access to quality higher education through specific internationalisation initiatives targeted at higher education in Africa.

“There is the need to improve the quality of teaching, learning and research works in higher education institutions in Africa through internationalisation would potentially contribute in addressing Africans abroad to seek further education,” he added.