Education observatory

Against estimates that COVID-19 containment measures will result in an immediate decline in African GDP growth from 3.2% to 1.8% in 2020 – with further adverse impacts if the pandemic is not contained – universities are being challenged to consider their roles in mitigating socio-economic impacts. Read more>

While some African universities are forging ahead with end-of-semester exams using alternative online methods, others are still considering their options. At the root of the issue are resources and preparedness. Read more>

North African student unions and academic communities have launched several civic engagement and social responsibility initiatives, ranging from fundraising and awareness campaigns to consultancy guidance and medical initiatives, in an effort to deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.Thank you!Create reply with Thank you!Interesting.Create reply with Interesting.Very interesting!Create reply …

Morocco’s Broadcasting and Television National Company (SNRT) is partnering with the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research to offer tele-education for students without access to the internet as universities shut down campuses to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Read more>

A Tunisian students’ union has roundly rejected a proposal by the government to move classes online and has called for a boycott of enrolment on online education platforms, raising questions about how feasible an option online education is in many African countries. Read more>

As the coronavirus infections continue to spread, many African universities are galvanising their research resources and expertise to find a medical solution to the pandemic or limit its spread. But chances of a big impact in the short term are slim and greater investment in fighting pandemics in the future …

The Association of African Universities (AAU) has called upon universities in Africa to move “urgently” to implement alternative methods of delivering teaching and learning using technology and other distance learning techniques in the wake of the closures of higher education institutions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Read more>

Ten North African and 12 Arab countries are to benefit from an e-learning initiative that will facilitate open and online education during the coronavirus crisis that has led to closure of most universities and educational institutions. Read more>

Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania and Sudan have followed Algeria in closing universities temporarily as part of wider efforts to halt the communal spread of the coronavirus in North Africa. Read more>

Internet shutdowns are increasing in Africa, raising a number of concerns about freedom of expression as well as the impact on the performance of national and regional virtual universities. Read more>