Africa Should Lead Global Research and Development," Urges Prof. Christian Happi

In a compelling address at the opening ceremony of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Prof. Christian Happi, Director of the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) at Redeemer's University, emphasized the critical need for Africa to take the lead in global research and development (R&D). Despite the continent's abundance of natural and human resources, Prof. Happi lamented that Africa has fallen short in this regard.

The keynote address was delivered at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) on Monday, October 30, 2023. The conference's theme, "Strengthening Research Agenda and Optimizing Output within the Context of SDG3," provided the backdrop for Prof. Happi's thought-provoking insights.

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A Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Prof. Happi identified several key factors that hinder high-quality, impactful research and innovation (R&I) in African universities. He attributed these challenges to the structure and functions of African universities and the academic/research community, as well as the failure to harness the potential of various "blessings" that could drive high-quality impactful research and innovations within African institutions. These blessings include the continent's vast natural resources, the experiences of war, famine, poverty, natural disasters, and diseases. Prof. Happi asserted that Africa should leverage its rich history in dealing with these crises to guide other continents in crisis management.

Other impediments to successful R&I highlighted by Prof. Happi include a lack of expertise and slow adaptation to market demands, insufficient brain mobility/brain circulation, an unsupportive environment for research, and misplaced priorities in higher education investments by governments and the private sector.

Prof. Happi also delved into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing their five pillars (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships). He addressed the current state of research and innovation in African universities, along with the associated implications for research outputs. He proposed strategies for strengthening research agendas and increasing capacity for output optimization and impact, citing the establishment of hubs of research excellence, with ACEGID at Redeemer's University in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, as a case study.

Prof. Oluyemi Akinloye, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, welcomed the theme's alignment with the university's vision of "building a university of the future." He expressed gratitude to the conference organizing committee for their efforts in making the event a success and encouraged participants to explore the valuable contributions offered by faculty and students during the conference.

Prof. Oluyemi Akinloye

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The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Tolu Odugbemi, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, characterized the gathering as a "family meeting." He fondly reminisced about his relationship with two accomplished "daughters," Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, and Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU).

Prof. Odugbemi

Prof. Odugbemi lauded the organizing committee's choice of theme, which supports the growing awareness of the importance of education, entrepreneurship, and research collaboration for national growth and development.