This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
Disconnect between academia and industry failing our youth ¶
Published on September 26, 2019
Dr Alex O. Awiti, Vice Provost at Aga Khan University, has expressed concern over the disconnect between academia and industry in Africa, which he believes is failing the youth.
According to Dr Awiti, the partnership between Aga Khan University and Harvard University was ideal in enabling the Graduate School of Media and Communications to build the credibility of its executive education programmes.
Dr Awiti, who is also an adjunct professor at Griffith University and Fraser Valley, noted that the big difference between universities in Africa and those in the west is the level of public funding. He stated that universities in Africa lack the resources they need in both research and fiscal facilities, and a stable environment to work.
Dr Awiti emphasized that the curriculum at Aga Khan University is more practice-based, with a focus on industry-relevant education. He noted that the university's students are practicing journalists, and the education provided is relevant to their work.
Dr Awiti has a background in research and development, having worked as a regional research fellow and associate scientist before joining Aga Khan University. He is currently the chief academic officer for East Africa, ensuring that the university's academic programmes and operations are of the highest quality and standards.
Dr Awiti is proud of the new energy that has been brought to the academy, and the critical achievements of the university, including the commissioning of the first Media Innovation Center outside of South Africa in Africa.
