Emerging research university in Africa: Divergent views on relevance and experiences

Abstract

This article provides an analytical literature review on the emerging research university in Africa. Specifically, we advance a deliberation of whether a research university is relevant and various experiences that denote its emergence. Notably, there is a global acknowledgement of universities as major centres for knowledge production. However, commitment to teaching with a minimum focus on research function seems to be a noticeable feature of most African universities. In the last 15 years, some African universities have indicated aspirations and efforts to become research universities. Exploring both theoretical and empirical studies, while reflecting on their rhetoric and real perspectives, we establish that there are divergent views on relevance and experiences of the emergence of a research university in Africa. Relating to the backdrop of this study, which is the link between knowledge and economic advancement, we discuss these divergent views. To date, few studies have provided an in-depth understanding of the emerging research universities in Africa. We advance a wider outlook on African higher education initiatives and directions on constructing research universities and suggest novel avenues for future research.