Research has shown that the most important source of technological progress over
the past 150 years in developed countries has been the advance of scientific knowledge
(Goldin and Katz, 1999). A South East Europe regional workshop held in Turkey in 2010
posted on their site (http://www.seecp-turkey.org/uploads/080310_RCC_TUBITAK.pdf)
that research results are indispensable to national development. The released summary of
the workshop contains the acknowledgement of participants which, amongst other things,
welcomed the pivotal role of research infrastructure in the advancement of knowledge,
technology and their exploitation. Hill (2006) writes that research results emanating from
universities have played a key role in the process of economic growth in United States. The
document rated universities as sources of new knowledge and a trainer of scientists and
engineers who work in industrial laboratories. The Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations (1996) holds the same view as it alludes to the role of the university in
human development. Yet, amidst all these coming from the West, the reverse seems to be
the case in Africa. There has been a weak linkage between research and policy. While the
West Africa Resource Watch (http://www.osiwa.org/attachment/20/pdf) has found a
challenge of knowledge production and its use in Africa, Moahi (2009) has quoted a World
Bank report which shows that weaknesses in application of knowledge is a major factor
behind the economic stagnation in Africa. This, of course, is not in favour of the fact that
information and knowledge are the drivers of socio-economic development anywhere,
anytime. However, the West African Watch recommendations include that while academic
and research institutions in Africa are encouraged with funding to write books and
scholarly publications on issues bordering Africa, efforts should be made to utilize the
results in the formation of national policies.