Science has long been associated with solutions, breakthroughs, advancement, and progress, to mention a few. From Fleming’s miraculous discovery of antibiotics in 1928 to today’s Artificial Intelligence (AI), science consistently proves its ability to solve significant problems worldwide, including on the African continent.

The impact of science in Africa is well captured by Sooryamoorthy (2020) in Cambridge University Press, who states that “science is being recognized as the main driver for economic growth and development in Africa.” Various governments and organizations across Africa have tirelessly developed policies geared toward encouraging science at all educational levels and supporting scientific innovations and research. It is evident that a country that will thrive must do so on the wings of science and technology.

One question, however, remains unanswered: Why is Africa still underdeveloped despite its investment in science?

Could the answer lie in this observation by Sooryamoorthy (2020):

“Several African countries have taken science more seriously, and some have advanced scientifically, measured in scientific publications.”

Africa seems to be paying more attention to theoretical science than practical science!

While scientific knowledge plays a significant role in driving innovation, no true breakthrough will occur until the gap between theory and practice is bridged. Imagine a mechanical engineer who spends five years studying the theory behind building cars without any practical exposure to how cars are assembled. How likely is it that this engineer will go on to build a car successfully?Similarly, how would a computer science student develop healthcare-revolutionizing software when the only place his programming codes were tested was in his notebook and on the blackboard because he couldn’t afford a laptop?

If Africa is to experience rapid development, it must embrace the following steps:

1. Integration of Practicality into the STEM Educational System
   Practical education yields valuable innovations that solve real-life challenges and drive development. Integrating practical systems and developing programs aimed at equipping STEM students across all levels of education is key to achieving this goal. This World Bank report emphasizes the importance of practical STEM education for Africa’s future.
2. Strengthening Existing Programs
   The Industrial Training Program, already established in many educational institutions across Nigeria, allows students to gain soft and hard skills relevant to the career world. This program should be strengthened and replicated across other African countries.
3. Collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
   Africa’s development doesn’t lie solely in the hands of its governments. Foundations such as SmartScifrica have transformed science in Africa by organizing mentorship programs and practical workshops for African scientists. Supporting such NGOs will hasten Africa’s efforts to achieve practical STEM education.Africa’s development might seem far away, but the gap between theory and practice must be bridged to cut short the years predicted to achieve this development.

Reference
Sooryamoorthy, R. (2020). Science, Development and Africa. In Science, Policy, and Development in Africa: Challenges and Prospects (pp. 1–40). Cambridge University Press.

https://assets.cambridge.org/97811088/42037/frontmatter/9781108842037_frontmatter.pdf

Written by Deborah Adebanjo