Convergence and divergence in engineering education in Africa

Abstract

Engineering education is the process of teaching and learning engineering which has the capacity to make systems, processes and structures better. But in solving problems, there has been the case for having a finite appropriate solution or a plethora of solutions known as the convergence-divergence nexus. The convergence-divergence complex has been at the front burner of issues since the beginning of the 1950s and various scholars have argued for both in addressing challenges. This study unraveled the engineering education dynamic while also trying to understand convergence and divergence in engineering education in Africa. findings from the study revealed that Findings from the study revealed that convergence-divergence has been at the front burner of issues for long and various authors have made the case for each of the concepts as a result of their defining peculiarity and applicability. It was found out that it is important to understand both processes so as to ensure the selection of the best approach to issues and it was thus important to analyze both. This study, therefore, recommends that there must be synergy between convergence and divergence to ensure appropriate solutions to challenges in engineering education.