Inaugural address of Professor Amina Mama, ISS, 28 April 2004

In her Inaugural Lecture Amina Mama will present a critical analysis of the challenges that have both inspired and constrained Africa’s intellectual development.
She discusses the political, administrative and other constraints that have inhibited the emergence of African-focused intellectual culture within the structure of African universities. Moreover, the current globalisation of higher education policy is equally insensitive to the importance of higher education in Africa.

Prof Mama discusses several strategies for the future and underscores the need for the establishment of creative structures equipped to address knowledge needs in a manner grounded in the political and cultural aspirations of Africa’s diverse societies.

Full text inaugural address (PDF, 219kb)