Education and Collaboration: How USOAD and El Roi University are Reshaping Afro-Centered Learning
Imagine a world where education is tailored to your history, your culture, and your community’s unique needs. A world where Indigenous knowledge systems are not just celebrated but integrated into formal education, and where the leaders of tomorrow are trained with the emotional intelligence and cross-cultural understanding needed to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. This isn’t a distant dream; it’s happening right now through a groundbreaking partnership between the University of the State of the African Diaspora (USOAD) and El Roi University (ERU).
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
You, as a member of the African diaspora or someone with a passion for African progress, are part of a global network that has the potential to rewrite narratives, reclaim identities, and build economic power.
The diaspora is vast—over 200 million people across the globe identify as part of the African diaspora, according to the United Nations, and they contribute more than $50 billion annually in remittances to their countries of origin.
But your potential isn’t just financial; it’s intellectual, cultural, and entrepreneurial. As Obehi Ewanfoh, founder of AClasses Media, recently discussed with Professor Oluwafemi Esan, Vice Chancellor of El Roi University, this new educational collaboration marks a significant step toward realizing that potential.
Together, USOAD (University of the State of the African Diaspora) and ERU are revolutionizing education for the diaspora, focusing on decolonizing learning, elevating Indigenous knowledge, and fostering leadership that reflects African values.
It’s important to point out that this partnership is more than just education—it’s about collaboration, and empowerment, which are the tools many diaspora creative entrepreneurs in today’s interconnected world.
Here’s how this initiative can change your life, your community, and the future of African education.
Decolonizing Education: A Necessary Shift
For too long, the education systems in many African countries have been shaped by colonial frameworks that ignore or diminish the continent’s rich history and knowledge systems.
Western curricula dominate, often leaving African students disconnected from their own cultural heritage. You may have felt this disconnect yourself, or you may know someone who has.
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However, USOAD and El Roi University are working to change that by offering a teacher training program specifically designed to decolonize Western-centered curricula in African schools.
According to Dr. Milton Walters, USOAD Minister of Education, “This strategic partnership marks a critical step forward in transforming education for the African continent and the global diaspora.
By embracing Indigenous knowledge and transpersonal approaches, we are creating a path for educational sovereignty and leadership rooted in African perspectives.”
It’s not simply about adding African history or culture to textbooks. Instead, it empowers educators with the tools and knowledge to integrate African perspectives into every aspect of learning.
On the Obehi Podcast, we have had the privilege of speaking with numerous African and African diaspora intellectuals, and a recurring theme has emerged: the urgent need to decolonize Africa’s educational system.
This call for a transformative shift is no longer just a conversation, it’s becoming a reality. Leading this charge is Ambassador Professor Oluwafemi Esan, a seasoned Nigerian educationist with extensive experience across all levels of education in the United Kingdom.
His vision and preparedness are paving the way for a new era in African education, where the curriculum reflects the continent’s rich heritage and addresses its unique challenges. Now is the time to act.
But what does that mean? Well, following this new step will help foster a more inclusive and diverse educational environment where students can see themselves reflected in what they learn.
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You, or the next generation of learners, won’t have to feel like outsiders in your own education. Instead, you’ll be part of a movement to reclaim African intellectual sovereignty.
This shift is critical for building the confidence and leadership needed to thrive in global spaces.
According to a report by UNESCO, countries that invest in culturally relevant education see higher engagement and better educational outcomes, especially among marginalized groups.
By integrating African history, culture, and Indigenous knowledge into the curriculum, USOAD and ERU are setting the stage for a new generation of empowered African leaders.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems: A Treasure Trove of Wisdom
Think about the wisdom passed down through generations in your family or community—stories, traditions, and practices that have helped people survive, heal, and thrive.
In a phone conversation between Professor Oluwafemi Esan and Obehi Ewanfoh in the early hours of today, Professor Esan highlighted a critical point: Africa doesn’t suffer from a lack of educational institutions.
The real question, he said, is what these institutions are built upon and the underlying agendas that shape them. This is where Indigenous knowledge systems come into play. They offer a way to ground education in Africa’s own history, culture, and values, rather than relying on frameworks imposed from outside.
For true transformation, these systems must be integrated into the educational fabric, ensuring that learning serves the continent’s unique needs and future aspirations.
Based on this new agenda, USOAD and El Roi University are creating courses that not only elevate these knowledge systems but also integrate them into higher education.
The Indigenous Knowledge Systems program will provide you with a deep understanding of traditional African and Indigenous practices, from healing methods to ecological stewardship.
This isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about leveraging these systems for the future. For instance, African traditional medicine has long offered holistic approaches to health that Western medicine is only now beginning to appreciate.
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By integrating these practices into formal education, USOAD and ERU are ensuring that they are not only preserved but also adapted for contemporary use.
For creative entrepreneurs like you, these knowledge systems can offer fresh insights and new approaches to problem-solving. Imagine applying the principles of African storytelling or communal leadership to your business, tapping into centuries of wisdom to create something truly innovative.
You are part of a lineage of creators, healers, and leaders, and this partnership is helping ensure that this lineage is carried forward into the future.
Transpersonal Leadership: A New Kind of Diplomatic Training
In today’s world, leadership isn’t just about power, it’s about empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex cultural dynamics. That’s why the collaboration between USOAD and ERU includes an innovative Transpersonal Diplomatic Leadership program.
According to Ambassador Professor Oluwafemi Esan: “This partnership is the beginning of Emancipatory knowing which considers the power dynamics that create knowledge and the social and political contexts that shape and influence knowledge and knowing”.
Designed to prepare future African leaders for global diplomacy, the USOAD and ERU course will teach you how to lead with emotional intelligence and ethical responsibility, all while maintaining a deep connection to African values and traditions.
This is particularly important for the African diaspora, which is increasingly playing a role in international business, politics, and diplomacy.
In this program, you will learn from experts like Professor Oluwafemi Esan, who believes that leadership is more than just a skill, it’s a transformative process that starts with understanding oneself.
As you engage with transpersonal leadership concepts, you’ll develop a holistic approach to problem-solving, one that values personal growth as much as professional success.
This is the kind of leadership that the world needs and it’s the kind of leadership that African communities deserve.
Mental Health and Education: A Holistic Approach
Mental health is often stigmatized or misunderstood in African communities, yet it is a critical component of overall well-being. The collaboration between USOAD and ERU is addressing this through a groundbreaking program that trains nurses and therapists in transpersonal mental health care techniques.
This approach combines traditional African healing practices with modern therapeutic methods, offering a holistic approach to mental health care that resonates with African cultural contexts.
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This program is not just about treating mental illness—it’s about fostering mental well-being in a way that aligns with your cultural values. For creative entrepreneurs, mental health is particularly important.
The pressures of running a business, balancing personal and professional life, and maintaining creativity can lead to burnout if not properly managed.
By integrating transpersonal mental health care into your routine, you can build resilience, manage stress, and ensure that you are operating at your highest potential.
Research shows that creative professionals are at a higher risk of mental health challenges, with nearly 60% of entrepreneurs reporting feelings of anxiety and depression at some point in their careers.
USOAD and ERU’s holistic approach to mental health care can help mitigate these risks by offering tools and techniques that are grounded in both modern psychology and traditional African healing practices.
Collaboration as the Key to Success
At AClasses Media, we are deeply passionate about fostering collaboration between Africans and the African diaspora, particularly through business and community initiatives.
This belief in the power of unity is why we are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking partnership between the University of the State of the African Diaspora (USOAD) and El Roi University, London.
Their collaboration is a powerful example of how we can come together to create a meaningful, lasting impact across the global African community, numbering hundreds of millions of people. It aligns perfectly with our vision of collective growth and empowerment.
If you think about it, collaboration has always been at the heart of African culture, and it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to succeed in today’s interconnected world.
Diaspora communities have already shown that when we work together, we can achieve incredible things.
For instance, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, as reported by USA Today, Black-owned businesses in the United States employed approximately 1.4 million people, contributing an impressive $53.6 billion in annual payroll.
This highlights the significant economic impact of African diaspora entrepreneurs and underscores the vital role these businesses play in driving economic growth and providing opportunities within their communities.
But there is still so much potential to be tapped, and continuing your education—whether in leadership, mental health, or Indigenous knowledge. This is a critical part of that process.
The programs offered by USOAD and El Roi University are not just for students, they are for entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, and health professionals who want to make a difference in their communities.
By participating in these programs, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in a global economy while staying connected to your roots.
The Importance of Lifelong Learning for Creative Entrepreneurs
As a creative entrepreneur, you know that the world is constantly changing. To stay competitive and relevant, you need to be committed to lifelong learning—not just about your craft, but also about business, leadership, and self-improvement.
The collaboration between USOAD and El Roi University offers you the perfect opportunity to do just that. Whether you’re interested in decolonizing education, learning about Indigenous knowledge, or developing your leadership skills, these programs can help you take your business to the next level.
Entrepreneurship is not just about creating products or services—it’s about creating a vision for the future. And that vision starts with you. By investing in your education, you are investing in your future, your community, and the future of the African diaspora.
AClasses Academy, an online educational platform for business and self-improvement skills, echoes this sentiment by offering courses designed to help creative entrepreneurs like you grow and succeed.
Whether you are learning how to tell your story in a way that resonates with your audience or mastering the art of digital marketing, continuing your education is the key to unlocking your full potential.
Conclusion: Embracing a Future of Empowered Learning
As you reflect on the opportunities that lie ahead, remember that education is more than just a path to personal success, it’s a tool for community empowerment and transformation.
The collaboration between USOAD and El Roi University is opening doors for you, your community and future generations to thrive in ways that are culturally relevant, intellectually empowering, and globally impactful.
This is your moment to embrace learning, collaboration, and creativity as tools for building a better future. The African diaspora has always been a force of resilience, innovation, and leadership, and now—with the right education and collaboration—its potential is limitless.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
