Experts and stakeholders in the education sector have pushed for digital reforms in African universities. They urged African governments to invest in digital transformation in universities to tackle challenges such as poor access, outdated curricula, and weak infrastructure across the continent’s tertiary education sector.
The made the push at the Digital Higher Education Africa (DHEA) Summit held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The two-day summit brought together policymakers, EdTech innovators, vice chancellors, and development partners to discuss actionable strategies aligned with the African Union (AU’s) Digital Education Strategy.
With a central theme focused on “Reimagining Tertiary Education Through Technology,” the gathering served as a call to action for institutions to break away from analogue systems and embrace scalable, future-ready digital models.
Chief Executive Officer of Argyle IT & Education, Opeyemi Ibukun, described the summit as a response to years of recurring conversations without meaningful implementation.
“We already know the problems — limited access, outdated systems, underfunding. What we need now is commitment to real solutions,” he said.
Ibukun advocated funding models that include corporate partnerships, alumni support, and bankable proposals from universities. He also called on governments to make the adoption of digital learning management systems (LMS) a performance metric for institutions.
Head of Education at the African Union Commission, Sophia Ashipala, decried the continent’s digital enrolment figures, which she said stood at less than 12 per cent, compared to the global average of 85 per cent.
“COVID-19 was a rude awakening, but it also revealed possibilities. Now is the time to invest in digital infrastructure, training, and innovation that reflects Africa’s priorities,” she said.
Ashipala further stressed the importance of curriculum reform focused on STEM, green skills, African knowledge systems, and lifelong learning. She also called for greater research investment, harmonised qualifications, and academic mobility to support Africa’s development goals.
Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, noted that many Nigerian universities still struggle to shift from analogue to digital due to capacity and structural challenges.
“We must move beyond lip service. Embracing technology at all levels — from teaching to administration — will boost institutional efficiency and global competitiveness,” he added.
