Alassane Ndaw

A visionary who gave voice to Africa’s mind and spirit

Colin's grandfather, Professor Alassane Ndaw, was a pioneer whose commitment and intellectual courage gave rise in the 1960s to Africa's philosophy. Together with President Léopold Sedar Senghor, the first President of Senegal, Alassane Ndaw established the first public University in Senegal, which attracted students from all over Africa. He was also the one who inaugurated the teaching of philosophy in French-speaking Africa. He was the first black African professor of philosophy and the first Senegalese Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Dakar. He was affectionately called the ‘’Dean of Deans’’ and the "the first of all". He was very attentive to young people, which is why he created the Department of Philosophy. He was a mentor for many students all over the African continent, and he remained engaged with tutoring and advising the youth almost until his death at the age of 92. Colin's grandfather inspired him as he helped me reflect on Africa and its opportunities. He used to say, “To philosophize in Africa is to understand that no one has a monopoly on the philosophy”. He was courageous and committed to a new African way of thinking. He devoted his life to educating the young African generation and teachers to contribute to the development of Senegal and Africa.