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 →
26
Racing the Clock: Cultivating a Time Mindset as a Foundational Skill for Learners in Uganda’s Competence- Based Curriculum
Arinaitwe Julius, Ariyo Gracious Kazaara
Time mindset competence-based curriculum Uganda foundational skills
27
Racing the Clock: Cultivating a Time Mindset as a Foundational Skill for Learners in Uganda’s CompetenceBased Curriculum
Arinaitwe Julius1 , Ariyo Gracious Kazaara2
Time mindset competence-based curriculum Uganda foundational skills
28
Reclaiming Timbuktu: A Critical Analysis of the Pre-Colonial Center of African Scholarly Production
Dr. Arinaitwe Julius1 , Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara2
Pre-Colonial Center Africa and Scholarly Production
29
Religion and Human Essence: A Critical Examination of the "Dehumanization" Thesis in Christian Contexts
Asiimwe Isaac Kazaara1 , Musiimenta Nancy2
Dehumanization Christian contexts human dignity doctrinal rigidity
30
Say Yes and Learn Later”: Confidence as a Core Competency and the Imperative for Educational Reform in Uganda
Arinaitwe Julius1 , Musiimenta Nancy2
self-confidence educational reform Uganda competency-based learning