The Power of Science Education for Africa’s Future
President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the crucial role of science education in shaping a brighter future for students across Africa. He highlighted the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as key drivers for national development. His remarks were made during the opening of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) high-level meeting, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the future of science policy and practice in Africa.
The two-day event, organized by the AAS in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and other partners, aimed to celebrate progress toward achieving Africa’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Agenda. It also sought to identify opportunities, priorities, and imperatives for scientific cooperation across the continent. President Mahama stressed that the presence of distinguished guests at the meeting reflected a shared commitment to placing science, research, and innovation at the core of Africa’s transformation.
Building a STEM-Focused Education System
One of the central themes of the president’s speech was the need for a stronger emphasis on STEM education. He called for the government to invest in building more STEM-focused secondary schools, suggesting that every school should be equipped with STEM blocks and laboratories. This approach would ensure that all students have equal access to scientific learning, regardless of their background or location.
Mahama pointed out that the African Academy of Sciences, founded in 1985, has played a vital role in fostering scientific collaboration and knowledge production. Its mission aligns with Ghana’s own development goals, which seek to leverage science for societal improvement. He also paid tribute to pioneering African scientists and scholars who laid the foundation for scientific excellence in the region. Among them were notable figures such as Professor Edward Ayensu, Prof. Ebenezer Laing, and others whose contributions continue to inspire current and future generations.
The Role of Innovation in Development
President Mahama emphasized that innovation is one of the most transformative forces in development. From food security to healthcare, energy, and climate change adaptation, investing in science and technology can significantly improve the quality of life for people across Africa. He cited the example of South Korea, where prioritizing knowledge-based economies led to rapid growth and development. While Ghana’s GDP at independence was comparable to that of South Korea, he acknowledged that sustained investment in science and technology is essential for catching up.
He also spoke about the importance of bridging the gap between research and its practical application. Many research findings remain unused because there is often a disconnect between academic work and real-world implementation. To address this, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established an annual Scientific and Industrial Interface Review Forum. This initiative brings together scientists, researchers, and industry leaders to explore how research can be commercialized and applied to meet the needs of businesses and communities.
The Need for Collaboration
Mahama encouraged schools to organize visits to the CSIR to showcase ongoing research and foster a deeper understanding of how scientific discoveries can impact everyday life. He believed that sustained dialogue between researchers and industrial actors would help promote the adoption of locally developed technologies, thereby boosting productivity and creating job opportunities.
In addition to his focus on science education, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo urged African leaders to prioritize basic needs such as food security, health, and education before pursuing ambitious projects like space exploration. He argued that addressing these fundamental issues would lay a stronger foundation for long-term development and technological advancement.
A Vision for the Future
As Africa continues to navigate the challenges of economic growth and development, the role of science and innovation cannot be overstated. President Mahama’s vision for a robust STEM education system and strong collaboration between academia and industry represents a step forward in harnessing Africa’s potential. By focusing on knowledge-driven solutions, the continent can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all its people.
