Universities of Relevance: The Case of the African Universities

This chapter reviews the relevant discourse among Sub-Saharan African universities, particularly the connection between the universities and society. Drawing from (Reading’s typology, 1996), this chapter proposes that African universities, similarly to their global counterparts, have entered a phase where the University of Culture and the University of Excellence are unified through the knowledge economy discourse. Manifested in a renewed interest in social relevance and responsibility, universities have entered the age of Relevance: a relevance that is broadly conceived, striding economic, social, political, environmental, and cultural concerns. This relevance discourse has also permeated all pillars of university functions—teaching, research and service—as well as management styles and ethos. This chapter proposes that this broad notion of relevance is particularly appropriate for this context, aligning with the continent’s deep roots in a collective culture.