Professor Kojo Yankah calls for decolonisation of African education

Professor Kojo Yankah has issued a passionate call for a radical transformation of the African educational system, advocating for a decolonised approach that prioritises the continent’s unique cultural identity. Speaking at a special event hosted by the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB), the veteran academic and communications expert argued that genuine educational reform is not just a preference but an essential requirement for Africa's future progress. He emphasised that current frameworks often remain tethered to colonial-era models that do not fully serve the needs of modern African societies.

The event served as a platform for several milestone recognitions within the university, most notably the renaming of a school in honour of the celebrated scholar, Professor Molefi Kete Asante. Professor Yankah highlighted this gesture as a symbolic step toward reclaiming African narratives within the academic space. He stressed that education must be restructured to embrace and celebrate African identity, ensuring that students are grounded in their own heritage while preparing for global competition. According to Yankah, without this shift, the continent risks losing its cultural soul to external influences.

Beyond cultural preservation, Yankah framed the decolonisation of education as a practical solution to contemporary socio-economic challenges. He argued that when students are taught through a lens that excludes their own history and environment, it hinders their ability to innovate and solve local problems effectively. By realigning the curriculum to reflect African realities, educational institutions can produce graduates who are better equipped to lead the continent toward self-reliance. The professor called on stakeholders across the academic spectrum to join the effort in dismantling outdated pedagogical structures that no longer serve the interests of the African people.