The African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) Nigeria on Thursday in Calabar emphasized the importance of reviving Africa’s indigenous knowledge system as a key driver for the continent’s development, growth, and future.
Abdullahi Bashir, President of ACCE, made the remarks at the council’s 2025 National Conference themed, “Communication and Indigenous Knowledge System in the Era of AI, Big Data and Cultural Transformation.”
Bashir stated, “In an era of global technological advancement and challenges such as the rise of social media, climate change, and economic and political crises, Africa must strengthen its indigenous knowledge system to serve its people well.”
He added, “The theme of this year’s conference was carefully chosen to highlight the value of African indigenous knowledge inherited from our forefathers, which we often overlook. African communication scholarship and practice have largely been interpreted through asymmetrical theories, rather than in a balanced manner, despite the richness of our diverse cultures.”
The professor noted that although indigenous knowledge systems in Africa remain marginalised, they are experiencing a renaissance in light of recent global technological developments.
He also called on governments and unions to adopt indigenous negotiation approaches to resolve industrial disputes in the education sector.
In his opening remarks, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Sen. Stephen Odey, said effective governance thrives in an environment of effective communication.
Otu appealed that the conference proceedings be made available to the State Ministry of Education for study and inclusion in the educational curriculum. He also launched the 2025 edition of the council’s journal during the event.
Similarly, Professor Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Tony Inyang, described the conference as crucial at a time when Africans face a cultural eclipse.
Obi said, “It is time for Africa to leverage technology to give expression to its culture and heritage. Communication is vital in galvanizing shared opinion and a collective vision for Africa and for any society determined to progress.”
