RESEARCH IMPERATIVENESS AND THE PROBLEMS OF AFRICA SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The ability of a society to utilize research based knowledge is critical for sustainable socio-economic development and for effective participation in the global economy. In developed countries, investment in knowledge based research and development exceeds investment in physical infrastructure. However, this cannot be said of Africa as research in this part of the world is usually faced with a number of problems. The paper examines the importance of research to socio- economic development of Africa. The study was conducted in Nigeria. Nigeria comprises of 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Nigeria is located in West Africa. The study adopted descriptive research design with systematic review of literature. The study made use of secondary data such as journal articles and newspapers. The study revealed that research leads to increment in the stock of useful knowledge; training skilled graduates; creating new scientific instruments; forming network for social interaction and increasing capacity for scientific and technological problem-solving, as well as creating new jobs which automatically improves the socio-economic status of the citizens. The study also revealed that researches that are sponsored from foreign countries and by foreign organizations seek to satisfy what the sponsors think are African problems, hence do not answer empirical indigenous challenges and does not guarantee independence of African nations within the continent. The study concludes that research is the bed rock for any nation or continent’s development. The nature and type of research determines the pace of development. The paper advocates for more quality attention to be given to researchers with empirical proofs to solve core challenges of socio-economic development in Africa. It recommends that if the various identified problems are properly and adequately tackled, there will be a repositioning of research in Africa, thus, creating more avenues with regard to socio-economic development which will contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals.