At the Times Higher Education (THE) African Universities Summit 2026, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) took center stage as a vocal advocate for a radical reimagining of the continent’s academic landscape. Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, UJ’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, delivered a stirring call to action, positioning African institutions at a historical crossroads.
Addressing a high-level assembly of policymakers and global experts, Prof Mpedi argued that the traditional “ivory tower” model is no longer fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving global economy.
From Content Consumption to Problem-Solving Intelligence
The core of Prof Mpedi’s message was a shift in the very DNA of teaching. He challenged universities to move away from simply transmitting information and toward building “adaptive intelligence.”
“In the next three to five years, teaching and learning must shift from the transmission of content to the cultivation of adaptive, problem-solving intelligence.” — Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi
The Triple-E Strategy: Education, Employment, & Entrepreneurship
Positioning UJ as a blueprint for this transformation, Prof Mpedi highlighted the university’s “Triple-E” approach. Rather than viewing graduation as the end of the journey, UJ has structurally integrated:
- Education: Modernized curricula designed for the future of work.
- Employment: Deep-rooted partnerships with the private sector and government.
- Entrepreneurship: Fostering a culture where students create jobs rather than just seeking them.
This structural alignment ensures that academic programs are not designed in a vacuum but are responsive to the actual needs of civil society and the economy.
A Continental Reference Point
The summit, which also featured a keynote by South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, served as a recognition of UJ’s meteoric rise over the last two decades.
UJ’s growing stature was further evidenced by recent visits from delegations of African Vice-Chancellors who traveled to Johannesburg to study the university’s models for innovation and societal impact. UJ is increasingly seen as a collaborative hub, providing a reference point for other institutions looking to drive Africa’s development.
The Final Word: Small Actions, Big Impact
Prof Mpedi concluded his address by reminding delegates that no institution is too small to spark continental change, invoking a poignant African proverb:
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, you have not spent a night with a mosquito.”
