African University: To Be or To Become?

Abstract

This paper investigates the ontological and philosophical dilemma facing African universities: do they merely exist (“to be”) or are they becoming transformative institutions that reflect African epistemologies and sociocultural realities? Drawing on theoretical and historical perspectives, the authors examine the ideological contradictions within public and private universities, the Western domination of academic models, and the marginalization of indigenous knowledge. They argue that despite their proliferation, African universities have not yet “become” institutions of African identity and transformation.