Review of Preparedness of Rural African Communities Nexus Formal Education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe global world continues to prepare itself for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) due to the envisaged effects of the 4IR on individuals, nations and the global world. This is being done through practical approaches, policy-making, robust discussions and, most importantly type and quality of education provided, amongst others. The effects are envisaged to be detrimental if nations are caught unawares. Thus, this study explores the preparedness of African nations in relation to formal education in the 4IR. Various related literatures were reviewed in the following areas: formal education in rural areas, previous industrial revolutions, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and steps taken by western nations towards preparing for the envisaged industrial revolution. The findings suggest that African nations are not preparing for the envisaged industrial revolution like other western nations; rather, the focus remains on issues such as decoloniality, decolonization and glocalization. The study recommends that if African nations choose not to go the way of western nations in preparing for the 4IR, and prefer to continue with issues such as decolonization, decoloniality and glocalization, the curricula should be revisited, duly redesigned and implemented to ensure the desired development.