African graduates not competing with foreign counterparts over outdated teaching methods – Prof Mitchual

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual has called for a paradigm shift in teaching methods among African lecturers by embracing emerging technology and innovative pedagogy to instil entrepreneurship skills in students to help drive economic development and prosperity of the continent.

He lamented that African graduates possess intelligence but lack practical skills due to outdated teaching methods, a development which should be adequately addressed to ensure they excel.

Prof Mitchual stated this at the 10th International Conference of the School of Science and Technology Education, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.

Prof Mitchual noted that African graduates’ struggles aren’t due to a lack of intelligence but rather a need for practical skills and a supportive environment.

He cited the example of Mechanical Engineering graduates from abroad who excel in their field, whereas their African counterparts struggle with confidence due to inadequate hands-on experience to stand on their own.

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” When African graduates travel abroad, they excel and contribute to research work. To bridge this gap, we advocate for leveraging multimedia to improve local content, Africans must take charge of their own development, ” he added.

Echoing this sentiment. Vice Chancellor FUT Minna, Prof Faruk Adamu Kuta who spoke through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration Prof, Uno E Uno, highlighted the timeliness of focusing on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics, which are transforming industries and reshaping daily life.

He also stated that as part of the new approach to cover the gap in teaching and learning, the university has decided to go virtual online to carry all its students along.

Also, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive Prof Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi commended the university for sustaining the international conference, which has shown significant improvement over the years.