An actuarial scientist with the University of Lagos, Nigeria, Prof. Joseph Mojekwu has urged African leaders to invest in science and development research.

He observed that this is key in bringing Africa at par with the developed countries.

“It is observed that Africa is lagging behind in areas of education, research and innovation, hence we should shout with one voice to push our various governments to invest massively in education if we should achieve the desired objective,” he said.

Prof. Mojekwu was speaking at the 11^th Sustainable Education and Development Research Conference 2022 in Kumasi under the theme, “build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”.

Prof. Mojekwu noted that social unrest has hampered the development of many African countries.

He believes the situation has contributed largely to brain drain.

“The problem of terrorism, banditry and the widespread agitation by the so-called marginalized groups in different parts of Africa and beyond remains a big challenge to achieving resilient and sustainable social infrastructures.

“The employment challenge is fueled by lack of job creation and the low level of industrialization in Africa. This situation has led to massive illegal migration of job seekers to the west in search of greener pastures,” he noted.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, Provost of the College of Art and Built Environment, Prof. John Tiah Bugri charged the participants to deliberate on solutions to the continent’s challenges.

“What is less known and well documented is what the innovative solutions to these developmental challenges and problems are and this should engage your attention as researchers, professionals and innovators,” he said.

According to the coordinator of the conference, Dr. Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei, this year’s conference focused on the Sustainable Development Goal 9.

It showcased several peer-reviewed papers relating to Engineering, Built Environment, Hospitality and Tourism, Food Science, Oil, Gas and Energy among others.

The conference aimed to provide a platform for capacity building and networking among researchers in Africa.