31/07/2024
Human Resource Development is the Foundation for Infrastructure Development
African nations uniquely persist in the belief that their development will be initiated by Western countries or former colonial powers. Even those considered intellectuals and learned continue to harbor this notion. They spend countless hours in cafes blaming the West, accusing them of exploiting our resources to build their own nations. We invest excessive energy in criticizing Western nations rather than introspecting on our own circumstances and devising solutions.
For over a century, before and after independence, Africans have criticized and condemned through various channels. Unfortunately, discussions about reversing this situation are scarce. While I acknowledge some of these criticisms as legitimate, solely attributing our underdevelopment to Western influence is immature and evades our responsibility.
Africans themselves are primarily responsible for the underdevelopment of their countries, due to several factors:
1. Contempt for Knowledge:
Africans often pursue education not for acquiring skills and knowledge, but for obtaining degrees to secure government jobs and exploit public funds. Development hinges on knowledge and skills, not merely degrees.
2. Outdated Education System:
African education systems prioritize language arts over science, mathematics, technology, and computer science. For instance, Liberia allocates far more time to English language than to any other subject. Conversely, there's often only one science teacher covering biology, physics, and chemistry. Computer science is neglected. Our system fails to recognize the paramount importance of computer science and technology for development. We invest our lives in learning Western languages instead of focusing on subjects that can drive development.
I don't advocate for disregarding languages, but for balancing them with mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. These subjects should hold equal importance to English or French. Developed nations prioritized human resource development, innovation, and creativity, leading to subsequent infrastructure growth. Africa seems oblivious to this approach.
3. Brain Drain and Political Inclination:
Many Africans educated in prestigious Western institutions fail to return home due to better earning potential abroad. This is known as brain drain. Those who do return often enter politics rather than applying their knowledge for national development.
To be continued
