THE Former President of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, has called on Nigeria and other African nations to place education at the forefront of their development agenda, describing it as the most powerful tool for transforming the continent.
Speaking during the June 12 edition of The Platform—an annual national dialogue hosted by The Covenant Nation in Iganmu, Lagos—Gurib-Fakim highlighted the urgent need to improve access to quality education across Africa, despite the existing challenges.
“Happy Democracy Day from Mauritius to Nigeria,” she said in her opening remarks. “After listening to our convener this morning, I strongly believe that education remains the most impactful transformation this continent needs.”
She noted that although Africa grapples with complex interrelated challenges, including underdevelopment and health burdens, the continent also holds significant untapped potential.
“Africa accounts for 17% of the global population but contributes only 3% to global GDP and bears 25% of the global disease burden,” she said. “These statistics reflect our current weaknesses, but they do not define us. Our strengths are vast, particularly in our young, dynamic population.”
The former president emphasized the growing demand for higher education, pointing out the need for universities to evolve and ensure their curricula align with societal and economic needs.
“Universities must strike a balance between increasing access, maintaining quality, and offering relevant courses that prepare graduates for real-world challenges,” she explained. “Relevance will vary across regions, but the core aim must be employability and adaptability.”
Gurib-Fakim stressed that education should not merely prepare students for today’s job market but equip them with the skills to navigate future uncertainties.
“We cannot foresee the exact challenges that engineers or technicians will face decades from now,” she said. “However, the education we provide should equip them with critical thinking skills and adaptability, so they’re prepared for evolving opportunities.”
She concluded by advocating for a forward-looking education system that fosters lifelong learning and innovation, essential for Africa’s sustainable growth and competitiveness on the global stage.