British Opposition to University Development in Colonial West Africa, 1860-1948

Abstract

The vital role of a university “to educate students to creatively and constructively understand their world” is universally recognized. Yet, ironically, for 80 years, the imperial Britain opposed the development of universities in its West African colonial territories from 1860-1948. Only at Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone that some advanced courses of university-type, especially in classics and theology, were provided under a special relationship with Durham University, UK. British policies and politics crystalized against creating degree-awarding institutions in Africa despite the existential needs and demand by educated Africans such as James Horton, Edward Blyden, and others. British opposition to offering university training to their colonial subjects flew in the face of the much-vaunted imperial slogan of the “civilizing mission” as the rationale for imperialism. Even more fascinating was the fact that from the late 1940s university development in Africa became a critical colonial objective, sponsored by Britain and financed by British taxpayers. Thus, it is the purpose of this lecture to explore the forces at play both within imperial Britain and in colonial Africa culminating in these two diametrically opposed British positions in providing university facilities for Africans in Africa. To what extent was the mission of a university compromised for imperial objectives?

This lecture is free and open to all. Registration is not required to attend in person.