“Rethink and decolonise education systems" -African nations urged

Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, a Pan African Scholar, urged African nations to rethink their education systems. He emphasized the need to decolonize education and return to indigenous knowledge and values.

Prof Lumumba spoke at the University of Education, Winneba’s 2025 Public Lecture Series. The theme was "Empowering minds, shaping futures for 21st century education." This event brought together scholars, policymakers, and the public for important discussions.

He noted that 21st-century education's challenges resonate with UEW’s vision. This vision promotes critical thinking, research, and inclusive dialogue on national development.

Prof Lumumba stressed that educational reform must start with mental liberation. He challenged Africans to reclaim their identity through transformative education.

He expressed concern that many equate intelligence with speaking colonial languages. Native wisdom and languages are often disregarded in this mindset.

“Our minds have been conditioned,” he said. “We were told our languages were inferior.” He criticized Africa's reliance on imported goods despite having abundant resources.

“Africa consumes what it does not produce,” he stated. He called for reforms in agriculture, sports, and medicine. Universities like UEW should create relevant knowledge for Africa’s challenges.

He echoed Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o's call to decolonize the mind. Prof Lumumba warned that Africa’s future relies on rewriting school curricula and restoring cultural self-esteem.

He highlighted historical speeches from African leaders during the Organisation of African Unity's formation in 1963 as foundational for educational reform.

Prof Lumumba praised Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, for establishing tertiary education institutions like the University of Ghana and KNUST.

"I challenge young scholars to redefine Africa’s curriculum," he said. It should be based on indigenous knowledge and innovation.

With historical reflections, he dismantled colonial narratives about Africa's intellectual history. He pointed out pre-colonial civilizations like Timbuktu as evidence of Africa's scholarly achievements.

“Africa had a golden age,” he remarked. “We must reclaim it to shape our future.”

He reiterated that true educational reform starts with mental liberation while addressing colonial scars. He referenced Dr Nkrumah’s warning about neo-colonialism being a dangerous form of imperialism.

Prof Lumumba encouraged students and faculty to aspire toward becoming innovative citizens as envisioned by Dr Nkrumah.

He urged universities like UEW to eliminate outdated paradigms in favor of models reflecting Africa’s realities and aspirations. The academic community must acknowledge past shortcomings too.

They should aim to equip a new generation with imagination and purpose beyond just certificates.

Prof Lumumba critiqued reliance on colonial legal systems as mental imprisonment. He called for universities to challenge these outdated frameworks actively.

Leadership expert Dr Samuel Koranteng-Pipim advocated for empowering minds for Ghana's future. UNESCO Ghana Representative Mr Edmond Moukala also supported rethinking Africa’s education system boldly.

The audience at UEW responded with a standing ovation after his speech. They viewed it as a call for the university to educate for liberation and transformation.