Pedagogy & Professional / Interdisciplinary Humanities

Hybrid: The session will be held in-person but a few remote presentations may be included.

Luís Filipe Sá Pereira (Universidade Federal do Paraná)

Rudy Inácio Correia Té (Universidade Federal do Paraná)

This panel explores the expansion of higher education in Africa as a central process for empowering local and regional communities. The rapid growth of African universities, reflected in rising enrollment numbers, diversification of programs, and increasing internationalization, raises important questions about access, quality, and social impact. At the same time, this expansion highlights the tension between traditional academic structures and the urgent need to adapt to new social realities. Universities are increasingly expected to serve not only as centers of knowledge production but also as agents of social transformation, capable of addressing inequality and fostering inclusive development. We invite contributions that examine public policies and institutional initiatives aimed at broadening educational opportunities, the role of universities in promoting diversity and inclusion, and the ways in which higher education expansion connects to socioeconomic development across different African contexts. Analyses of international academic cooperation and reflections on how academic credentials and knowledge can be translated into fields beyond academia are also welcome. By considering both structural reforms and grassroots initiatives, this panel seeks to highlight how higher education can strengthen communities and contribute to long-term resilience. In alignment with NeMLA 2027’s theme, “Empowering Communities”, this panel encourages critical and interdisciplinary perspectives that combine academic rigor with a commitment to diversity. Our goal is to foster dialogue on how higher education can serve as a driver of social and cultural transformation, while also recognizing the challenges of sustainability, equity, and relevance in rapidly changing African societies.

This panel examines the expansion of higher education in Africa as a key force for empowering communities, addressing questions of access, diversity, and social impact. It invites interdisciplinary contributions that highlight how universities can foster inclusion, cooperation, and transformation across African contexts.