Prioritise education to develop Africa, insecurities former President Gurib-Fakim urges

Mauritius’ first female President, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, has emphasised the importance of education in transforming Africa.

Gurib-Fakim stated this while speaking on Thursday at the June 12 edition of the Platform, organised by the Covenant Nation in Lagos State, as Nigeria marks its Democracy Day anniversary on June 12.

She highlighted education’s role in addressing the continent’s challenges.

According to her, although the challenges of education in Africa abound, the continent should harness its advantages to shore up educational quality.

“My dear brothers and sisters in Nigeria, happy Democracy Day from Mauritius to Nigeria.

“After listening to our convener this morning, I am also of the opinion that education remains the biggest transformation that this continent needs. I am very pleased to speak on how sound education can transform our continent, ” she said.

She added, “As you are all aware of our many interdependent factors that come into play regarding this discussion, some may be tied to Africa, and others may be tied to growth on the continent.

“Our continent is home to 17 per cent of the globe’s population, but we produce around three per cent of the global GDP. We carry 25 per cent of the global diseases.

“The above may present as our weaknesses, but our strengths are profound. We all agree that the university today offers youths the knowledge they need to enter the workforce.

“In a society like ours with a young population and expanding business classes, the demand for access to higher education will only continue to grow,” she said.

Gurib-Fakim stressed that education was crucial for Africa’s development, citing its potential to equip youths with the knowledge needed to enter the workforce.

She emphasised the need for universities to produce graduates with skills relevant to the continent’s needs, balancing access with quality assurance.

Gurib-Fakim noted that education should prepare students for future challenges, teaching them to be flexible and adaptable in an ever-changing world.

Gurib-Fakim highlighted Africa’s young population and growing business class, which would drive demand for higher education.

She acknowledged the continent’s challenges, including a significant disease burden and low global GDP contribution, but emphasised the importance of harnessing strengths to improve education.

Gurib-Fakim’s remarks underscore the need for investment in education to drive Africa’s transformation and development.