Dr. Edmond Moukala, UNESCO Representative in Ghana, has championed a bold rethink of Africa's education future at the ��ɫ��Ƶ’s (UEW) Public Lecture Series, calling for transformative systems that meet 21st-century demands.

Chairing the event held on Friday, 11th April, 2025, Dr. Moukala emphasised that education must move beyond the mere transmission of knowledge and evolve into a tool that cultivates innovation, resilience and purposeful leadership among Africa’s youth. The event focused on the theme “Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures for 21st Century Education.”

“Africa is entering a very critical time. Education must empower young minds to think boldly, challenge assumptions, and lead purposefully. This is the kind of future-focused vision being nurtured here at UEW,” he remarked.

Dr. Moukala commended the ��ɫ��ƵManagement for their visionary approach in convening the Public Lecture Series, describing it as a platform that speaks to the continent’s urgent need to build capacity and shape minds for sustainable development.

Highlighting UNESCO’s educational priorities, Dr. Moukala stressed the need for inclusive and equitable education systems that empower learners from all backgrounds to become creators, innovators and leaders. He cited African experts' rewriting of the General History of Africa under UNESCO’s guidance as a vital effort to reclaim and promote Africa’s historical contributions to global civilisation.

“The story of Africa’s scientific, cultural, and intellectual legacy has been hidden for too long. Education must help students become aware of the ancestral genius that shaped the world,” he said.

Quoting prominent African and global thinkers, including Aimé Césaire, Cheikh Anta Diop, and Rabindranath Tagore, Dr. Moukala called on students and educators alike to rise above passive observation and become active architects of Africa’s destiny.

“Africa’s challenges are not a spectacle. They demand action, collaboration, and historical consciousness. Let us ensure that the education we offer today is truly shaping the future we want to see,” he said.  

The Public Lecture Series featured other prominent speakers, including Prof. P. L. O. Lumumba, the renowned Pan-Africanist scholar, and brought together academics, university administrators, students, traditional leaders, government officials and development partners in a shared dialogue on education’s transformative power.

In his closing, Dr. Moukala urged all participants to allow the conversations ignited by the lecture series to catalyse meaningful reforms across the continent’s educational landscape. “Let this be a catalyst for action, collaboration, and innovation in education—not just in Ghana, but across Africa,” he concluded.