Unizulu lecturer goes global

UNIVERSITIES are vital in addressing work readiness for African youth.

This was shared by Unizulu HoD of business management and renowned academic Dr Ayansola Ayandibu as a panellist at the 2024 Going Global Africa Conference in Abuja, Nigeria last month.

Delegates hailed from across the continent and beyond, enriching the dialogue with diverse perspectives.

Hosted by the British Council, the conference, themed ‘Building Sustainable and Relevant Tertiary Education Institutions and Systems in Africa’, explored pathways for strengthening education systems and preparing African youth for the modern workforce.

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Dissecting the topic of ‘Preparing Young People for the Evolving World of Work: Employability, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development’, Dr Ayandibu said it was vital to equip African youth with the skills and entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

The discussion was led by Professor Thea van der Westhuizen, academic leader for High Impact Community Engagement and Internationalisation, at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Management, IT and Governance.

Focus on African education
The conference focused on the challenges and opportunities of tertiary education in Africa.

This included improving regional and international collaboration to build capacity at institutional, system and individual levels – ultimately improving educational and employment outcomes.

Dr Ayandibu’s presentation was interactive, drawing participation from an esteemed audience that included ministers, deputy ministers, diplomats, vice-chancellors, deans, entrepreneurs and representatives from government departments.

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He highlighted the critical role of tertiary education institutions in bridging the gap between education and industry.

“As educators and policymakers, we have a responsibility to ensure the next generation is not only employable but also equipped to create jobs through entrepreneurial ventures,” said Dr Ayandibu.

The conference also served as a networking platform for influential stakeholders in education and development.

For more information about the Going Global Africa Conference, visit the British Council website: www.britishcouncil.org/going-global

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