10 March 2019  Issue No: 238

Higher education curricula in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must pivot on science, technology and innovation if industrialisation of the region is to be achieved, as envisaged in the bloc’s Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2063.

In 2016, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand Adam Habib and his council came under enormous pressure to rescind a decision to increase student fees, a move they argued was necessary to keep the institution afloat in the wake of declining state subsidies. In this extract of his new book Rebels and Rage, Habib recounts the steps taken during the early days of the #FeesMustFall protests which were to mark a major turning point in higher education in South Africa.

While universities should not cultivate intolerance towards dissent by 'disinviting' controversial speakers, they should also create the conditions and safe spaces for students to cross into what is unfamiliar and contentious. Intolerance can only be put to rest if people have access to knowledge.

Many Ugandan graduates are turning to vocational skills to earn a living in a country where unemployment is estimated at more than 60%. Some are following a passion, while other youth are following the money through vocational careers which they believe are more lucrative.

The demand to keep upskilling in line with the fast pace of change in today’s workplace as well as the need for graduates with a range of skills mean universities need to think more creatively about supplementing academic degrees with practical qualifications.

International students from several Asian countries, including India and China, who are looking to choose a university abroad have become more focused on employment prospects in choosing a subject, university and the country of study abroad, according to a new global comparison report.

Educational institutions and higher education bodies need to work together to address standards and quality in the use of education agents for the recruitment of international students, particularly regarding legal requirements, accreditation, vetting and training. This in turn will help professionalise agency-based recruitment.

While more women are making their way to the highest levels of academic leadership in Europe, the numbers are still shaky and many obstacles remain in their way. How can we change this and propel women to top institutional positions?