Renowned Pan-Africanist and anti-corruption crusader, Professor P.L.O. Lumumba, has called for a complete overhaul of Africa’s education systems, urging African nations to recognize and invest in sports as a vital academic and economic discipline.

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Addressing students and faculty at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) during a public lecture on Friday, April 11, Prof. Lumumba stressed that Africa’s current approach to education is outdated and fails to equip the youth for modern global realities.

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“We must re-examine our education system, even in matters as mundane as sports, which is a multi-billion-dollar industry,” he declared. “Until the day we have the courage to find that missing link in our education, we are not preparing for the 21st century.”

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Prof. Lumumba pointed out that while sports continue to drive massive economic activity globally, African education institutions often sideline it, treating it as an extracurricular activity rather than a serious area of study or development.

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Drawing comparisons with countries like the United States, he highlighted how young African athletes often receive scholarships abroad to study sports, while their home countries fail to create similar opportunities.

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“In America, our young men and women are given scholarships to study sports. Why can’t we do the same in Africa? Why do we not treat sports as a serious academic and economic discipline?” he questioned.

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He argued that if sports were integrated properly into the curriculum, not only would it create new career paths for students, but it would also contribute significantly to national economies.

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Prof. Lumumba’s comments have since sparked conversations across the academic and sports sectors, with many backing his call for a reorientation of educational priorities to reflect the changing dynamics of the modern world.

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His remarks form part of a broader lecture series organized by UEW to inspire thought leadership and policy reform across key sectors in Africa.

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