Let Us Consolidate Makerere's Core Mission: the Pursuit of Scholarship by Mahmood Mamdani

06 Aug, 2012,

Let Us Consolidate Makerere’s Core Mission: the Pursuit of Scholarship

Mahmood Mamdani

Professor and Executive Director, MISR

(text of talk to the Makerere University Stakeholders Consultative Meeting 3rd August 2012)

The Makerere of today is a product of two historical periods: its early establishment during the colonial period and its reform under neo-liberal influence.  I shall begin by asking whether colonialism and neoliberalism are living legacies or pasts that we have moved beyond.

Decolonization

Makerere is proud of its colonial legacy.  Makerere thinks of itself as the Harvard of Africa.  If Makerere was ever the Harvard of Africa, then it was a colonized Harvard.  What is the difference between a university that is colonized and one that is independent? 

Harvard is a research university in a double sense.  First, it is a site of research.  Second, it produces researchers, not just research.

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