Speaker
Description
Bolaji, O. A.
Emmanuel Alayande University of Education
bolajiolufemiakinloye@gmail.com
Track: Research, Innovation and Knowledge Ecosystems
Toward an African Digital Higher Education Ecosystem Model: Theoretical Perspectives on Innovation, Inclusion and Resilience
By
Dr Olufemi Akinloye BOLAJI
bolajioa@eauedoyo.edu.ng
+2347032656077
and
Dr. Abiodun Ezekiel ADESINA,MSTAN, Chartered ACSP,
adesinaae@eauedoyo.edu.ng
+2348030745843
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1150-0716
Integrated Science Education,
Faculty of Science Education,
Emmanuel Alayande University of Education Oyo, Nigeria
Abstract
African higher education faces structural fragmentation, chronic resource scarcity, unequal access, and uneven digital readiness. COVID-19 exposed these faults and accelerated digital learning adoption, but responses remain fragmented—scattered institutional pilots, donor-driven projects, and imported platforms often misaligned with local socio-technical realities. A unified, theory-driven ecosystem model is therefore needed to guide sustainable digital transformation that promotes innovation, equity, and systemic resilience. This study introduces the African Digital Higher Education Ecosystem (ADHEE) framework, integrating multi-level drivers, actors, and interactions to address three questions: which theoretical lenses clarify digital transformation in African universities; what design principles enable innovation, inclusion, and resilience; and how can policy and institutional mechanisms align to scale context-sensitive digital practices. ADHEE synthesizes socio-technical systems theory (co-evolution of technology, institutions, practices), institutional theory (isomorphism and entrepreneurial norm change), and capability and digital justice approaches (learner and educator agency, equitable opportunity). Five interdependent domains guide action: infrastructure commons (shared connectivity, energy), human capital (pedagogy, local content), governance fabric (policy, financing alignment), innovation flows (research linkages, open resources), and inclusion mechanisms (cultural relevance, marginalized groups’ support). Core propositions emphasize layered redundancies for resilience, local entrepreneurship with sustainable financing to reduce donor dependence, and pedagogical shifts for meaningful inclusion. Policy recommendations include interoperable open standards, national digital public goods, accreditation reform for blended pathways, dedicated accountable funds, and inclusion metrics. Future research should use mixed methods, comparative cases, and iterative design-based studies to validate outcomes such as equity of access, learning gains, employability, entrepreneurialability and shock resilience.
Keywords: African Digital Higher Education, Education Ecosystem Model,
Innovation, Inclusion, Resilience.