Understanding the Atypical Pioneering Role of Durham University in the Development of Higher Education in British West Africa

Abstract

My earlier study on the British establishment of universities in Africa alluded to the unusual role of Durham University in the budding of Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone as the first degree-awarding institution in West Africa. Curiously, this special relationship between Durham and Fourah Bay occurred as early as 1876 prior to the British consolidation of its colonial holdings in West Africa. Although the initial Durham degrees at Fourah Bay were primarily in theology and classics, they blazed the trail in era when the British exhibited stereotypic trepidations regarding African educability and intellectual capacity for advanced training. Yet, some central but fascinating questions are yet to be fully explored regarding Durham connection and ultimate elevation of Fourah Bay offerings to university status. For instance, why should it be Durham that would pioneer this initial sponsorship of higher education in colonial Africa? What were the rationales for Durham collaboration with the CMS mission in Fourah Bay? What was there for Durham? How did Durham objectives coincide with those of imperial Britain over colonial enterprise and CMS over proselytization agenda? Why was Durham side-lined when imperial Britain tapped the University of London to enter into Special Relationship with the four African universities founded and funded by Britain in 1948? This study will explore these puzzling questions holistically and attempt to unpack the rather unique role of Durham in university education for Africans in Africa. Likewise, the nature of local African voices, advocacy and/or complacency and the attitude of the colonial government of Sierra Leone in the British colonial higher education ventures will be examined.  

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