Accra –A powerful new essay is challenging African professors to stop chasing international publications and start creating tangible solutions for the continent’s development.
The call, made by Dr. Isaac Yae Asiedu, criticizes the “publish or perish” culture in universities, arguing it prioritizes academic prestige over real-world impact. He notes that while African libraries are full of research papers, local industries often remain underdeveloped and reliant on imported technology.
The article proposes a radical shift, urging universities to become “innovation engines.” Key recommendations include establishing invention labs in every department and basing professor promotions on patents, community projects, and startups rather than just publication counts.
Dr. Asiedu’s central message to academics is clear: “Stop counting your publications. Start counting your inventions.”