Sudanese Memory: The Present-Yet-Absent Academic Reform in Sudanese Universities

By Mohamed El-Sheikh Hussein
Sudan’s universities are spread across all states of the nation, graduating thousands of students annually in diverse fields—sciences, humanities, economics, social studies, and more—at various academic levels.
In collaboration with political, social, and economic entities, these pioneering institutions have significantly contributed to nurturing cultural and civilizational awareness among university students and Sudanese society. Despite the destruction inflicted by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militias, the determination to rebuild dominates minds, with plans and projects crowding the horizon.
Even under the abnormal conditions of the past two years, these universities have persisted in their academic mission, overcoming challenges to reinforce the country’s civilizational foundations. Now, they must prioritize academic reform—genuine, systemic improvement—while wholly avoiding political patchwork. Thus, academic reform becomes the “present-yet-absent” imperative in Sudanese universities. But how?
A Stellar Reputation
The University of Khartoum has long worked to elevate its academic standing, earning a distinguished reputation among Arab and international institutions. It has graduated tens of thousands who now serve across Sudan, the Arab world, and beyond.
Despite historical challenges, the university has steadfastly advanced its academic mission, cementing its role as a pillar of national progress. This context frames our search for answers: How can academic reform become a sustained reality in our universities?
It also introduces a quietly profound book by Professor Abdel Malik Mohamed Abdel Rahman—theoretical physicist and former University of Khartoum vice-chancellor—titled University of Khartoum: The Present and the Future. Published by the Abdel Karim Mirghani Cultural Centre, this compilation of his Al-Sahafa newspaper articles reflects both tribute to the author and reverence for the university’s legacy.
Abdel Malik’s pen carries weight. Readers—whether agreeing or disagreeing with his views—trust his intellect, knowing he bears responsibility earnestly, feels societal burdens deeply, and respects his audience utterly. Yet his humility nearly undermines this work: at 143 pages, each word insists that the University of Khartoum remains a beacon of civilization, its mission national, humanistic, and universal.
Development and Knowledge
Through 18 essays, the book underscores strengthening ties between development, knowledge, and applied education—arguing that reform must produce graduates equipped to drive national advancement.
Its strengths lie in accessible language and pragmatic ideas, blending statistics, scientific analysis, and sharp insights. The reader is swept into a stream of thought-provoking comparisons, pausing often to admire, ponder, or critique. This slim volume overflows with stimulating reflections, all orbiting its core thesis: elevating higher education to globally competitive standards.
Abdel Malik illustrates this tirelessly—with examples, personal anecdotes, and data—never dulling the reader’s engagement. His underlying message: Solving Sudan’s challenges demands bold action and unconventional thinking.
The Reform Imperative
The book stresses that educational revival hinges on one word: reform. Real reform requires reinforcing institutions as focal points—lenses concentrating all efforts through holistic, integrated visions. Interventions must span classrooms, campuses, and communities.
It highlights Sudan’s urgent need for infrastructural and academic development in higher education, particularly as demand surges yearly. Reform must address both qualitative and quantitative growth across disciplines, ensuring cohesion among all stakeholders.
Effective university leadership—composed of seasoned, visionary scholars—is paramount. While self-governance is ideal, coordination among deans, administrations, student unions, and staff associations is non-negotiable. Collective action outpaces erratic individualism.
Funding remains critical. The public and private sectors must contribute, but attracting investment demands fresh strategies that are aligned with the university’s mission.
Research and Innovation
Abdel Malik passionately advocates for research, urging dedicated budgets (official and communal) to propel societal progress and global engagement. He rejects passive technological importation, detailing how Sudan must transition from consumer to producer.
Half the book dissects academic reform, research, and postgraduate training. Abdel Malik acknowledges Khartoum’s global decline but counters with optimism: The time to reclaim its brilliance is now.
He critiques the underperformance of the university’s research centers—understaffed and underpublished—linking it to inadequate funding. Compared to budgets for travel and hospitality, research allocations are embarrassingly meager. Yet, he reminds us: Civilizational progress begins with research, then ascends to implementation.
Legacy and Future
Abdel Malik traces present achievements to past efforts, though his humility stops him from narrating eras he didn’t witness. “Others better versed must document that history,” he defers. Yet his work implicitly urges such documentation—reviewing the past with honesty to navigate the future wisely.
Esteemed universities and nations invest heavily in archives, making them available for research. Abdel Malik’s book exemplifies this ethos, blending ease and depth in what Arabs call “the effortlessly profound” style.
As you read the University of Khartoum: The Present and the Future, you sense a master at work—his material is presented so effortlessly that it captivates until the final line.
Epilogue: A Cultural Icon
The University of Khartoum’s stature permeates Sudanese life—even contemporary music. As one poet lamented in shock:
“My heart was snatched away—I’m still stunned!
People, bring it back to me—from the University of Khartoum.”
Here, academia and soul intertwine. Reform, then, isn’t just policy—it’s redemption.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=5031