What is wrong with University Research in Africa? A Reflection on Selected Issues
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 8
Abstract
Abstract: University research as key to socio-economic transformation has provoked and dominated debate in post independent Africa for more than five decades. Historically, most of the universities in the African continent were established soon after independence as symbol of national prestige as well as instruments for national development. Universities were considered to be fruits of independence just like other symbols of self-determining African states namely national flags, national anthems, national dress, and national currencies with the head of a black president. At the independence, newly born African states had critical demands of skilled labour force in all sectors of their nascent economies; hence, university education, being a stronghold of research was expected to provide solutions by giving indigenous people with relevant knowledge and skills, capable of eradicating social, political and economic setbacks. Now it is more than five decades after independence, but majority of African countries are still victims of rampant poverty. A popular mantra is that university education in Africa is failing its people. University research in Africa seems to be impotent as it is unable to produce local entrepreneurs, inventors, scientists, good leaders to mention but a few examples. Therefore, it is legitimate to put this question, what is wrong with African university education in general and research in particular? This study deployed documentary analysis to examine key challenges faced by Sub-Saharan African universities in building research capacities capable of bringing socio-economic development. The analysis is based on synthesising various literature sources namely; online electronic journals, online books, print books and websites. There is a myriad of factors for poor research base in Africa but the author presents some selected issues and suggests some measures that can rectify the situation. Sub Saharan Africa is presented in general but in some cases specific examples of countries are given. Keywords: Sub-Sahara Africa, Educational Research, Higher Education, Socio- Economic Change.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Pius Peter Mgeni
Keywords
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