By Stella Odueme
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on African countries to invest in research-intensive universities to drive industrialisation, technological advancement and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Jonathan made the call at the closing panel of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum held in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, where African leaders and other stakeholders discussed the geopolitical and economic transformations needed to advance the continent.
Jonathan, in a statement on his X handle on Monday, stressed that Africa’s quest for economic sovereignty and sustainable development required deliberate investment in universities that serve as centres of research, innovation, knowledge production and advanced skills development.
He noted that research-intensive universities play a critical role in transforming knowledge into productive enterprises capable of creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities, particularly for Africa’s growing youth population.
According to him, the experiences of countries such as India, Singapore and South Korea demonstrate how strong technological and scientific capabilities can drive industrial development, encourage innovation and build globally competitive economies.
Jonathan said Africa must move beyond being primarily a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere to becoming a creator, producer and exporter of technology, knowledge and innovation.
He identified sustained investment in science, engineering, digital technologies and applied research, alongside stronger collaboration among universities, industries and governments, as essential to achieving the goal.
The former president emphasised that African youths must be equipped not only to participate in the global economy but also to shape it through innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of homegrown solutions to the continent’s challenges.
He maintained that Africa’s transformation and economic sovereignty must be anchored on indigenous knowledge, African ingenuity and enterprise.