The Role of an African University in Community Development: A Systematic Review

The Role of an African University in Community Development: A Systematic Review

Eyitayo Francis Adanlawo & Nomusa Yolanda Nkomo-Asare

Issue: Vol.6 No. 10 2025 Article 6 pp. 1010 – 1021
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.20256106 | Published online 31st October, 2025.
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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ABSTRACT

Many perceive universities as crucial to providing the necessary knowledge for development. It was anticipated that African universities would play a significant role in meeting the demands of the communities. This study explains the role that African universities play in community development. A systematic review was conducted to synthesize available research. This study reveals that the university is an important player in community development and collaboration with local people will promote sustainable development. Viewed through the lens of the infusion model, this paper encourages reevaluating community participation at African universities as a means of promoting sustainable community development. The study concludes that incorporating local perspectives into the university’s goals for knowledge generation, dissemination, and social engagement will benefit the institution and its aim to promote sustainable development. It is advisable to establish successful partnerships in community-based initiatives that prioritize effective information exchange, collaborative learning, and reciprocal advantages. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the role of higher education in fostering community resilience and empowerment. By highlighting successful case studies and best practices, it provides a roadmap for universities seeking to improve their impact on local communities while fulfilling their educational missions.

Keywords: Community development, Local Knowledge, Sustainable development, Infusion model, Internationalisation, University

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AUTHOR(S)

Dr. Eyitayo Francis Adanlawo is a researcher at North-West University, South Africa. He is a member of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa. Dr. Adanlawo has published over 80 articles in reputable journals. His research interests cut across public relations, corporate social responsibility, media studies, community development, nation-building, and curriculum development, among others.

Dr. Nomusa Yolanda Nkomo-Asare is a lecturer in the department of economics, University of Zululand, South Africa.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Adanlawo, Eyitayo Francis , and Nomusa Yolanda Nkomo-Asare. “The Role of an African University in Community Development: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 6, no. 10 (2025): 1010 – 1021. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.20256106.