East Africa Regional Hub: October Convening 2024
Dates: 3rd & 4th October 2024
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Theme:
Africa Educational Renaissance: Collaborative Strategies for Resilient Learning Systems in 21st Century Africa
Topic:
Enhancing Graduate Employability in Africa through Resilient Digital Competencies and AI Integration in Higher Education
Overview:
A panel discussion was held on the topic of enhancing graduate employability in Africa by fostering resilient digital competencies and integrating AI technologies in higher education. The session was moderated by Kumar Prasanth, Senior Manager for Entrepreneurship Development in Africa and Head of the Entrepreneur Academy at UM6P, Morocco. The panel featured insights from:
- Prof. Robert Gateru – A higher education leader from an institution driving AI initiatives in East Africa.
- Bernard Ochan – A career services professional from an institution utilizing the EduCollab digital skills assessment tool, who shared data on its application, observed outcomes, and the rationale for its importance.
Discussion Focus:
The session explored how institutions in Africa are addressing the need for digital competencies and AI integration to improve graduate employability. The conversation highlighted key elements of the educational environment, including curriculum development, faculty training, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships with industry. Several case studies were presented to demonstrate successful initiatives and strategies.
Key areas of focus included:
- AI Integration: Institutions are leveraging AI to enhance learning, optimize administrative functions, and deliver personalized educational experiences.
- Resilience in Digital Competencies: There is an emphasis on equipping students with robust digital skills to ensure they can adapt to the fast-paced technological advancements and changing demands of the job market.
- Graduate Employability: Institutions are actively working to ensure that graduates possess the critical skills and knowledge required by employers in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
- Strategic Collaborations: Emphasis was placed on the importance of collaboration among multiple stakeholders to minimize implementation costs, mitigate risks, and streamline the learning process.
Outcomes:
- Impact of Digitization and AI: The session underscored the significance of digitization and AI in strengthening the resilience of higher education institutions in Africa.
- Examples of Initiatives: Panelists shared specific examples of initiatives, including the use of digital assessment tools and collaborative efforts aimed at fostering resilience within the education ecosystem.
- Digital Competencies for Employability: The importance of digital competencies in enhancing youth employability was a recurring theme, with discussions focusing on how these skills can meet the demands of employers in the digital age.
Prof. Gateru spoke about the importance of Digital Skills for the enhanced employability of graduates, emphasizing that digital skills are required across all sectors. He posed questions about why universities are not allowing the use of Generative AI systems such as ChatGPT. He was however quick to add that if not positioned well, Generative AI systems would hinder rather than support learning by students. He highlighted the need for universities need to do more to empower students on how to effectively use ChatGPT and other Gen AI systems to elevate and deepen their learning rather than using it simply to make “life easier”.
The VC gave an account of how RU prepares graduates with digital skills from the foundational courses offered, to the use of digital learning management systems, and the Responsible Computing Challenge (https://riarauniversity.ac.ke/mozilla-responsible-computing-challenge-dissemination/ ) ( https://riarauniversity.ac.ke/hackathon-building-resilient-sustainable-communities-with-industry-4-0/ ).
He indicated that RU was in advanced stages of revamping its RUBY chatbot, converting it into a custom-made GPT for RU. The GPT to be known as RUBY.AI will place in the hands of RU students and staff advanced AI capabilities custom-made for RU, to support teaching, learning, and service delivery. He challenged African institutions to come together to develop more AI models that are customised for the needs of Africa instead of always relying on GPTs developed and trained elsewhere. Prof. Gateru told the audience that courses at RU will be progressively revamped to incorporate AI capabilities.
In conclusion, the panel highlighted the urgent need for African higher education institutions to prioritize the integration of AI and the development of digital competencies to prepare graduates for the evolving global workforce.
Click for more information: https://educationcollab.ashesi.edu.gh/east-africa-hub-convening-2024/
