14 January 2021  Issue No: 296

African scientists’ share of the world’s publications has been increasing and more of the research published by scientists from the continent is being cited, but more regular, reliable and comprehensive data on research universities in Africa is needed to ensure that imminent decisions related to investing in the continent’s universities are well-directed.

A weak publishing industry in Africa, including the lack of distribution hubs and an intra-Africa book trade; curricula, pedagogy and learning processes still rooted in the colonial situation and the absence of a scholarship culture, are factors that are undermining the development and production of academic books on the continent.

More robust systems are necessary to encourage academics in Ethiopia to increase their research output through ethical channels. Predatory publishing has been enticing many academics to seek short cuts to get published quickly and earn promotions without rigorous scrutiny of their work.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for all Nigerian higher education institutions, their staff and students, but one bright spot has been the fact that universities have developed remote learning and teaching capacities that will stand them in good stead in the future.

The North African correspondent for the Africa edition of University World News and contributor of news from the Middle East and Africa to the publication’s global edition, Wagdy Sawahel, has been named one of eight category winners in the inaugural African Labour Migration Reporting Awards.

On 27 January 2021 University World News, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, will be bringing together experts and practitioners from the International Association of Universities, the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in an online webinar on how universities can improve their social impact.

The free tuition movement has ridden high in election years, bringing with it promises and disappointment, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial challenges that will ensue may see it pushed to one side while inequality rises. Could targeted intervention have more success?

What will 2021 hold for higher education? Many of the trends that we are likely to see – including increasing localisation of international students and an increased share of higher education enrolment for company-sponsored short-term certificate programmes – started pre-COVID, but the pandemic has accelerated them.

The United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has resigned and US higher education leaders have reacted with horror and condemnation to the mob riot on Wednesday 6 January which breached the Capitol, where Congressmen were meeting to certify the presidential election results, leaving them in fear of their lives.