Our Vision
Our vision is a Sub-Saharan Africa that is more competitive in science and technology, which would result in a more effective contribution to the continent’s socio-economic development and Africa’s rightful place in the world. NMI has two pillars:
The Establishment of African Institutes of Science and Technology (AISTs): These world-class institutes would be established in four regions West, East, South and Central Africa. These institutions would further be supported by centers of excellence as required by each region.
The Promotion of a Sub-Saharan African Learning Network to enhance broad-based knowledge creation, dissemination and flows across Sub-Saharan African countries through continuing education and the African Knowledge Forum.
Key Challenges for SSA
- lack of support and coordination to promote S&T education;
- low academic and governance standards for the recruitment of faculty and rigorous selection of qualified students;
- inadequate infrastructure, both physical infrastructure and lab equipment;
- insufficient funding for S&T education as regards infrastructure and lab equipment, and for scholarships for qualified S&T students who come mostly from poor families; and
- lack of coordination and effective partnership between academia, the public and the private sectors.
The Establishment of African Institutes of Science and Technology (AISTs): These world-class institutes would be established in four regions West, East, South and Central Africa. These institutions would further be supported by centers of excellence as required by each region.
NMI’s Response
- To establish centers of excellence in S&T in SSA called African Institutes of Science and Technology (AIST). One wholly-owned such institute (the African University of Science and Technology) and two affiliated ones already established (2iE and NM-AIST) in Abuja, Ouagadougou and Arusha;
- Use of a merit-based admission to recruit the best students, regardless of their capacity to pay;
- Engagement of leading international faculty from the US, Europe, Africa and African diaspora to teach;
- Adoption of transparent approach to government and fundraising;
- Establishment of partnerships, networks/linkages with other universities in and out of Africa and industry to diffuse knowledge