MJAAR

Critical Pedagogy and Neocolonial Curricula: A Postcolonial Interrogation of Foreign-Engineered Education Reforms in Africa

Dr. Arinaitwe Julius, Ahumuza Audrey


Abstract

Purpose: This study critically examined the neocolonial dimensions of foreign-engineered education reforms in Africa through a postcolonial lens, analyzing structural mechanisms through which externally-driven interventions perpetuate epistemic violence, reproduce dependency relations, and marginalize indigenous African epistemologies while exploring counter-hegemonic pedagogical alternatives. Methodology: A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was conducted between January 2023 and August 2024 across five African countries (Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, and South Africa). The quantitative phase surveyed 1,847 educators, curriculum developers, and educational administrators using validated instruments measuring neocolonial influence, epistemic violence, curriculum sovereignty, cultural identity erosion, and pedagogical resistance. Univariate analyses established baseline distributions, bivariate analyses examined relationships through correlations and ANOVA, and structural equation modeling tested a comprehensive theoretical framework specifying mediation pathways. The qualitative phase involved 67 semi-structured interviews, 12 focus group discussions, and critical discourse analysis of curriculum documents and policy texts. Findings: Results revealed exceptionally high levels of perceived educational dependency (M=4.02) and indigenous knowledge marginalization (M=4.15) contrasted with low curriculum sovereignty (M=2.34), with World Bank/IMFfunded reforms exhibiting significantly higher neocolonial influence (M=4.23) than domestically-funded initiatives (M=2.78, p

Keywords

critical pedagogy neocolonialism epistemic violence curriculum sovereignty postcolonial education African epistemologies educational dependency
Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research

Cite This Article

Dr. Arinaitwe Julius & Ahumuza Audrey (2026). Critical Pedagogy and Neocolonial Curricula: A Postcolonial Interrogation of Foreign-Engineered Education Reforms in Africa. Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research, 5(3). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=271

More in This Issue

View full issue →
21
Impact of Digital Payment Systems on Small Retail Business Growth: Case Study of Digital Payment Adoption Among SMEs in Kampala Central Business District
Dr Ariyo Gracious Kazaara1 , Kabanda Richard2
Digital payment systems mobile money retail business growth SMEs
23
Navigating the Storm: A Case Study of Fluctuating Moods and Ego in Research Supervisors at Higher Institutions of Learning in Uganda
Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara1 , Ahumuza Audrey2
research supervision mood fluctuations ego-driven behaviors postgraduate education
24
Navigating the Storm: A Case Study of Fluctuating Moods and Ego in Research Supervisors at Private Universities in Uganda
Dr. Arinaitwe Julius1 , Dr. Ariyo Gracious Kazaara2
Research supervision supervisory relationships mood fluctuations ego-driven behaviors
25
Patriots and Patriotism in the 21st Century: Conceptual Evolution and Political Mobilization
Arinaitwe Julius1 , Musiimenta Nancy2
Patriotism Patriotic Identity Political Mobilization Nationalism