The future of higher education: Is Africa ready for fully online universities?

To ensure quality education, there is a push for hybrid models. These models blend online and in-person experiences. They also leverage technology for better accessibility and flexibility. If barriers are overcome, fully online campuses could transform higher education.

Is Africa ready for this shift?

Not long ago, university students looked forward to the full campus experience. They enjoyed living on-site with access to shops, sports facilities, and entertainment. This vibrant academic community made lectures easily accessible. For many, it was their first experience of living away from home.

However, this experience has been gradually changing over the years. The growth of university colleges in the last two decades shows a gap in the education system. More learners are transitioning to tertiary education, leading to a surge in applications but limited spaces.

In 2020, Ghana had about 120 higher education institutions (HEIs). Currently, the sector is undergoing changes through charter accreditations and mergers. This presents macro-opportunities for growth.

Africa's youth population is already the largest globally and is expected to double by 2050. According to OECD projections, this will reach 830 million people. Tertiary enrollment on the continent will likely rise significantly but still slower than the global average.

This trend signals HEIs to align academic programs with modern labor market demands. Ghana’s strong educational reputation attracts international students from neighboring countries, increasing demand further.

Global investment in higher education has risen significantly. A large portion now focuses on online education, projected to grow from $220.5 billion in 2023 to $810.3 billion by 2033. The key question remains: how much of this investment supports sub-Saharan Africa's educational technology ecosystem?

This situation offers growth opportunities in higher education but also challenges. Some emerging HEIs lack resources and qualified faculty needed for quality education. While urban campuses have value, they often miss facilities that support extracurricular activities.

The younger generation—millennials and Gen Z—are tech-savvy and connected digitally. Their preferences must be considered when shaping learning styles and educational choices.

HEIs should learn from past experiences like COVID-19 disruptions. Although traditional campus experiences remain attractive, sustainable management is crucial for future success.

Online asynchronous education can help bridge gaps caused by rising enrollment numbers across Africa and Ghana specifically. Expanding access to high-quality online education can be cost-effective and flexible for local and international students.

For successful implementation, national readiness is essential at both national and institutional levels. Nationally, technology infrastructure must improve along with governance policies for rigorous validation of online degrees.

At the institutional level, expertise in subject knowledge and strong digital competencies are necessary too. Limited resources in private HEIs complicate transitions while public universities face bureaucratic hurdles that slow progress.

Strategic partnerships with Online Programme Managers (OPM) can address these issues effectively by leveraging their expertise in online education.

Cutting-edge institutions like Academic City University can benefit greatly from expanding into online offerings tailored for African students.

If executed well, additional revenue from online programs could alleviate resource limitations faced by HEIs due to streamlined operations.

With recent charters awarded to several private universities in Ghana, there’s an opportunity for growth through creating online campuses that encourage knowledge-sharing across borders.

In conclusion, access to relevant online degrees may reverse trends of outbound student migration from Africa.
International students interested in African-focused curricula now have new opportunities available.