Research, innovation and higher education in sub-saharan Africa

Abstract

The underlying philosophy of education in contemporary Africa has been established to be alien and detached from the indigenous knowledge of the people. Education in Africa is still dependent on foreign input for sustainability, thereby stifling research, creativity and innovation. Innovation often results from familiarity with one's environment; when internally generated and grassroots knowledge assumes the foundation of learning, innovation thrives as learners are able to easily grasp concepts and build on them. This chapter attempts an exploration of the disconnect between indigenous knowledge, practices and learning on the one hand, and formal education in Africa on the other.