RESEARCH AND INNOVATION: EDUCATION IN VISUAL, MANAGEMENT SCIENCES AND FOR AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Research and innovation are complex processes and are key concepts to the realization of Africa's development objectives. Over the years, emphasis has been placed on science and technology, to the abject neglect of arts and the social sciences in educational planning in Africa of recent. This paper appraises the importance of Arts and Social Science education in Africa and criticizes the lack of emphasis on Arts and Social Science education. The paper notes that educational policy, especially in Nigeria has been lopsided in favor of science and technology, which is an anomaly in educational planning. This paper advances reasons why education should be holistic, integrative and multi-dimensional and gives suggestions for a new outlook and direction in educational policy formulation in Africa in the twenty-first century. The paper begins with a clarification of concepts, reviews the existing trend in the educational policy formulation in some African countries, and proposes a way forward out of the educational impasse, by making some recommendations to improve the educational industry.