On Friday, February 7, 2025, the FunKe Science team had the privilege of attending the #ALU ReImagine Education Conference in Nairobi, where leaders in academia, industry, and policy explored a critical question:
"Is Higher Education in Africa Fit for Purpose?"
Keynote speakers, including @Dr Milton Njuki (Deputy Director, Higher Education & Research, Ministry of Education), Mercy W. (Secretary to the Cabinet, Kenya), and Veda Sunassee (CEO, #ALU) emphasized the urgent need for education systems to align with Africa’s evolving workforce needs.
A key highlight was the discussion of #ALU2025 Africa Workforce Readiness Report, which sheds light on student aspirations, employer expectations, and the skills gap that must be addressed for graduates to thrive.
Beyond academia, the conference tackled the threat of brain drain, the evolution of AI in the workplace, and the role of private-public partnerships in reshaping education. Interactive breakout sessions sparked dynamic conversations on the readiness of both employers and employees to adapt to AI-driven workspaces. Panelists called for a shift in focus—not just on reimagining education, but also on redefining career pathways and workplace structures to better prepare Africa’s workforce for the future. The future of education is not just about degrees but about deliberate skills development, industry collaboration, and agile learning systems that empower Africa’s next generation.
Nell Shiundu Wesley Muma Tracey