By Masih Safiydul-Ali Allawee
As I read Dr. Isaac Yae Asiedu’s thought-provoking article, I couldn’t help but nod in agreement. The piece highlights a critical issue plaguing African academia: the emphasis on publications over practical impact. Dr. Asiedu’s call to action is timely, and his arguments are compelling. I concur that it’s time for African academics to shift their focus from publishing papers to building nations.
The current academic system rewards academics for publishing in Western journals, often with little regard for the relevance or impact of their research on African communities. This has resulted in a mismatch between academic research and real-world needs, with our industries remaining stagnant and our people continuing to suffer. The infamous “Publish or Perish” mantra has become a driving force in academia, where academics are forced to prioritize publications over practical impact. But is this mantra still relevant in today’s world? Does the number of publications truly measure an academic’s worth? The answer is no. What matters most is not how many papers an academic publishes, but rather the impact their research has on society.
The “Publish or Perish” culture has led to a proliferation of low-quality research, where academics are more concerned with publishing in any journal than with solving real-world problems. The emphasis on “high-impact” journals only serves to further reinforce this culture, rather than addressing the underlying issue of prioritizing practical impact over publications. It’s time to debunk this mantra and focus on what truly matters: building nations, not just publishing papers.
Globally, many graduates lack the practical skills required by employers, despite having impressive academic credentials. This highlights a disconnect between academic training and real-world needs. In Africa, this issue is further compounded by the lack of infrastructure and resources, making it even more challenging for graduates to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. For instance, Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, is working to change the narrative in the polytechnic sector by prioritizing skills over certificates.
African academics must be encouraged to focus on practical solutions to the continent’s unique challenges. Those in agriculture should design irrigation systems that small farmers can afford, build local machines for processing crops, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Those in communication and media studies should develop innovative storytelling methods that amplify African voices, create media platforms that promote fact-based information, and document the continent’s successes and challenges. Engineering lecturers should invent and develop practical solutions to Africa’s infrastructure and development challenges, such as affordable and sustainable technologies, including low-cost irrigation systems and renewable energy solutions.
In medicine, for example, medical students who spend more time in clinical practice have been found to perform better than those who focus on academic research. The University of Cape Town’s Department of Medicine has developed a low-cost, point-of-care diagnostic test for tuberculosis, which has improved diagnosis and treatment outcomes in resource-constrained settings.
The emphasis on publications has also led to a proliferation of low-quality journals that prioritize profit over intellectual rigor. Many academics are forced to pay for their work to be published, creating a lucrative industry that rewards those who can afford to play the game. It’s time for ministries of education and university councils to redefine what success looks like for academics. Promotions should be based on inventions patented or commercialized, community-based innovations that improve livelihoods, collaborative projects that generate local employment, and startups and enterprises emerging from academic research.
When academics are rewarded for impact rather than citations, creativity will flourish. Our best minds will focus on building industries, not just writing theories. It’s time for African academics to stop counting their publications and start counting their inventions. Let’s roll up our sleeves and build what our people need. Let’s create a new generation of African innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are equipped to solve the continent’s pressing challenges. The time for change is now. By working together, we can unlock the potential of Africa’s youth, drive economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of people across the continent. The future is bright, and it’s time for us to build it.