The Role of Innovation in Building Universities That will Outlive The

21^st Century in Africa

By

Peter Carlos Okantey

November, 2011 

Abstract

This article seeks to promote a culture of innovation in African universities. This justification is pursued through the following: 1) an argument for the need for innovation in African universities; 2) a look at the term “innovation” from an institutional perspective; 3) apparent barriers to innovation in African universities; 4) on how African university leaders can promote innovation at their universities; and 5) eight steps African university leaders can adopt in their quest to enhance innovation in their universities.

Keywords: Africa, African Universities, Innovation, Creativity, Leadership.

The Role of Innovation in Building Universities that will Outlive the 21st Century in Africa

The Neglected Factor: Redirecting Investments to Higher Education in Africa for
Leadership Development
By
Peter Carlos Okantey

June, 2011

Abstract

Africa is home to 54 countries with over 700 million people, yet there are fewer than 300 universities and colleges across the continent. This paper critically examines the current condition of higher education in Africa and proposes redirecting investments in Africa to higher education for to develop leaders across the continent for social, economic and political freedom. By building an argument that the very machinery for the development of human capital has been neglected in Africa, this paper focuses on the following: the current condition of higher education in Africa, the lack of access to higher education in Africa, higher education and leadership development in Africa, and the way forward to promote higher education in Africa.

Keywords: Leadership, Africa, Ghana, higher education, leadership development.

The Neglected Factor- Re-directing Investments to Higher Education in Africa for Leadership Development

A special thanks to all our sponsors and participants of the 3rd Annual NAPE Foundation Golf Tournament. It was wonderful having you all. We look forward to another successful event next year.