Rethinking University Education: A Navigation in the Emerging Knowledge Economy in Africa

Abstract

Globalization has placed organizations everywhere in new and different competitive situations where knowledgeable, effective behavior has come to provide the competitive edge. This paper makes important contributions to academicians and practitioners by showing how the academic community needs a rapid shift in understanding of firms as knowledge-based systems by increasing institutional focus on the organization of the knowledge development and application. This can sharpen the knowledge-based students who can be able to face challenges in today’s dynamic world. Challenges of education in the knowledge economy are highlighted with a focus on the exponential growth of information. The need to restructure university education to meet the knowledge demand is explained and this can be achieved by incorporating indigenous knowledge, defining the role of university knowledge in globalization, creating networks, working towards knowledge that will lead to change and also preparing students for future knowledge demands