Jonathan laments poor ranking of African universities, says it’s “terribly bad”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan lamented on Monday that no African university appeared among the world's top 100, and only the University of Cape Town was among the top 200. He emphasized this as a "terribly bad" situation, which he believes is a significant setback to Africa's technological and industrial development. Delivering a lecture at the National Defence College, Jonathan stressed the need for Africa to strengthen its education system and create specialized institutions to produce skilled manpower.

He argued that Africa cannot achieve meaningful technological advancement and industrialization without improving its education system and developing specialized institutions. Jonathan urged African leaders to prioritize investment in education and human capital development, stating that the human brain is one of the continent's most important resources.

He cited Singapore's economic transformation as an example, highlighting how the country's development was driven by deliberate investment in education and capacity building. Jonathan also mentioned India's emergence as a global information technology hub, attributing it to the deliberate establishment of specialized institutions to cultivate highly skilled manpower.

He urged African nations to move beyond an education system that primarily produces graduates without the specialized skills needed in modern economies, and to develop institutions that nurture innovation in science, technology, engineering, and information technology. Jonathan warned that Africa risks falling behind in the current technological revolution if urgent measures are not taken to develop its human capital.

He emphasized that Africa's abundant natural resources, human capital, and large market have not translated into prosperity due to the continent's inability to add value to its resources and industrialize. He urged the National Defence College participants, described as emerging strategic leaders, to advocate for policies that strengthen education, technological capacity, and industrial development in their respective countries.

Jonathan stressed that transforming Africa's education and industrial sectors requires sustained political commitment and determination, warning that achieving this transformation cannot happen overnight. Gen Christopher Musa, the Minister of Defence and special guest of honor, echoed Jonathan's sentiments, highlighting the importance of strengthening Nigeria's defence autonomy for sustainable economic growth, national resilience, and security.