Peter Okebukola

NARST 2011

The Problem

The Study

Findings and Recommendations

In spite of early lead in science, Africa has regressed in science and technology development (UNESCO, 2011)

What are the (socio-cultural) factors impeding progress?

How can pace of development in science and technology be made to quicken?

Explore the opportunities that can be taken advantage of in order to accelerate catch-up in the coming decades.

One of the first intensive agricultural schemes

Metallurgy (including the mining and smelting of copper) were practised in Africa as far back as 4000 B.C.

Hieroglyphic writing and the use of papyrus

Science of architecture also reached new heights with the pyramids.

Between 3000 and 2500 B.C., calendar and numeration systems were developed

Early medical innovations

16th-18th century

Colonisation

Slavery

Phase 1

A brain-storming session with 25 African scientists and science educators to generate a list of challenges to and opportunities for science and technology development in Africa

Presentation of these clusters to a main study sample for prioritising.

For the main study, 835 science education stakeholders from 14 African countries were surveyed over a two-year period (2005-2007). The sample (one-tenth of which were females) included African scientists, science educators, senior policy makers and civil society groups.

Using the mean-rank procedure, the challenges and opportunities were listed in descending order of rank

Top 6

1. Low investment in science education.

2. Gap between science policy and practice.

3. Low enrolment in science and technology.

4. Students’ underachievement in science.

5. Teacher inadequacy by way of number and professional preparation.

6. Poverty

Adopted by African Ministers of Education, Science and technology

1. Increased investment in science education

2. Development of national science education strategy that is aligned with prevailing economic growth and poverty reduction strategies

3. Major rethinking of science teacher education programme and its implementation

4. Greater visibility given to environmental education, computer education and population education in the curriculum

5. Enhancement of public-private partnership in the delivery of quality science education

6. Promotion of scientific and technological literacy for all

7. Promoting the participation of girls in science

8. Provision of conducive environment for science teaching and learning

9. Development of research priorities in science education that are funded on a competitive basis

10. Strengthen quality assurance systems for both public and private institutions.

Challenges science education abound everywhere, Africa not being an exception.

Major challenges are (a) low investment in science education; and (b) gap between science policy and practice.

African countries are on the path of clearing obstacles to progress through a 10-point Agenda.

Thank you