USA Africa Dialogue Series - Reflections on Day 2 of the Continental Forum on the role of the diaspora in higher education, research and innovation in Africa

Reflections on Day 2 of the Continental Forum on the role of the diaspora in higher education, research and innovation in Africa

Toyin Falola

Discussions revolved around the structuration of actionable plans that will bridge the wide disconnect of Africa and its diaspora(s). Concrete plans to benefit from the diaspora are long overdue. Indeed, the absence of workable plans will widen further the distance between those in the diaspora and the Africans at home. The intellectual skills and professional assets of those in the diaspora can be harnessed to pursue a common goal of systemic emancipation for Africa.

Proposed strategies must be clearly defined and thus highlighted for appropriate implementation, making logical plans that can enhance the success of the project. In order to achieve this, there needs to be sufficient collaboration efforts among different bodies that have the mandate to promote African ideas. Such synergy will initiate facilitative programs which will include cross-continental scholarly engagements and international events, all in an effort to achieve a common goal. This coming together will serve as the first phase of genuine solution to meet the challenges that confront the African world. The context is not always fully set, as references to the age-long degeneration of values are presented as subliminal.

Silence is dangerous! One solution to this can undeniably come from the university setting, considering the stake that education has in human development. The joint efforts of government representatives and academic community would ensure that the needed synthesis for the accomplishments of such lofty ambition will be provided. It is pertinent that these two bodies show reliable commitments as the success of any project that involves bridging the gap that has long existed between the Africans at home and in the diaspora requires that determination is displayed by the two parties. Making the government key into this plan demands that the academic community engage them critically, highlighting the inherent benefits in such pursuits, and ascertaining that it's worthwhile to consider an investment in that direction. When the government shows readiness to shoulder the financial responsibility for research, it would make academic engagements attractive and as well desirable. There is hardly any level of development which can be attained without a serious emphasis on research. This reality necessitates the need for solid collaborative efforts by both the government and the higher education institutions.

Different African countries are making fascinating efforts in collaborating with diaspora Africans, trying to engage them for mutual benefits. These countries' interests are underscored by those increasing figures diving into academic pursuits in diasporic locations. Despite the effort shown in this regard, there are some countries that are obviously not particularly interested or have not shown enough commitment to bringing Africans in the diaspora to influence their existing educational structure, and academic research as well. This is not to be conceived as not having an interest in Africans abroad, it only shows that the project is at its gestation level, and eventual growth cannot, as a result, be underwritten. There must be provisions for diaspora Africans to participate in the political process of their home, such as exercising political rights and freedom. Creating such a friendly atmosphere would secure trust and earn their commitment to the project of making Africa a great continent.