The Role of the University in the Cultural Development of Africa.

The incoherences and the ambiguities of Africa's educational system in which, especially at its higher level, a real African life does not exist result from institutions aimed more at transplanting a European pattern (or an American pattern) rather than implanting the university in the life of African countries and adjusting to African needs. The university should be a center where one would elaborate an expression specific to Africa, actualize the values of its traditions, and draw inspiration from the African past. Instead of artificially accepting an imposing foreign culture, the university should be fit to rediscover or create from African experience a new culture, in other words, a new way of expression. It is the task of the university to solve the much debated question of the cultural unity of Africa, a question essential for the political development of African unity. An institution is recommended that would specialize in applied research to further develop the drive to restore and stimulate culture that will give back to the peoples of Africa a sense of their identity and to the community their historical destiny. (Author/KE)