3 September 2020  Issue No: 281

Conformity to traditional cultural beliefs and societal expectations have contributed significantly to gender gaps in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM fields in Africa, according to a new study conducted by the Nairobi-based African Academy of Sciences.

The Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez in Morocco has been chosen as the regional academic partner to launch what is hoped will be a revolutionary agritech development hub aimed at transforming Moroccan small-scale subsistence farming into fully digitalised and innovative agri-food businesses.

More than 30 Zimbabwean students protesting under the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter banner calling for freedom of expression, an end to corruption and better living conditions, have thus far been arrested and charged by the state for inciting violence, according to the Zimbabwe National Students Union.

In times of constant change, we need strong institutions that nurture leaders, anchor truly democratic futures and promote inclusive economic development, environmental sustainability and social progress. Universities have a critical role to play in achieving this.

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on education around the world, and one result could be a slowdown in intellectual achievement. Drawing on the concept used in the health sector to measure years of life lost, it might be possible to develop a ‘Years of Potential Intellectual Life Lost’ general measure of how much the pandemic has slowed intellectual advancement.

Universities have joined with schools and colleges across the globe in shutting down most activities as the impact of the coronavirus affects almost every aspect of life. An estimated 1.8 billion students have been affected by educational institution lockdowns.

The third edition of Student Affairs and Services in Higher Education: Global foundations, issues, and best practices is an enormous volume, involving around 250 authors and others from 125 countries. The open access book was recently published by the International Association of Student Affairs and Services with Deutsches Studentenwerk. In this three-part Special Report, authors describe and interpret the landscape of student affairs globally, developments and issues, achievements and challenges.