[size=16pt]Trends of Epistemic Oppression and Academic Dependency in Africa’s Development: The Need for a New Intellectual Path[/size]
by
Nathan Andrews
andrews5@ualberta.ca
Department of Political Science
University of Alberta, Canada

&

Eyene Okpanachi
eyene.okpanachi@ualberta.ca
Department of Political Science
University of Alberta, Canada



Abstract
A simple dictionary definition of ‘freedom’ shows that it implies the power to think, act, and
speak as one deems fit without any hindrance. It also denotes the power of ‘being’ or ‘doing’.
When many countries in Africa gained independence in the 1950s and beyond, this notion of
freedom was what they all aspired to. And although many countries have been formally detached
from their colonial heritage, most of them remain attached to the colonial intellectual roots. We
argue that this practice is opposed to the independence and development that African countries
have sought for several years, and thus, it kills initiative and renders the efforts towards freedom
and sustained development meaningless. Therefore this paper highlights trends of epistemic
oppression and academic dependency in some African countries, arguing that African people
should think creatively from within and produce knowledge that is more in tune with an African
context rather than depending on books, theories, and approaches from elsewhere. The overall
claim of the paper is that until Africa gains the substantial ability to think, act and speak for itself
through progressive scholarship and writing, ‘true’ intellectual freedom and home-grown
development will be unlikely.


Keywords: Africa, knowledge, academic dependency, epistemic oppression, development


This was published in The Journal of Pan African Studies, vol.5, no.8, December 2012 , i am the sort that firmly believe that all Africans problem can be solved by deep thinking, looking inward and understanding our situation more clearly. This publication addresses a crucial problem in the African society and gives more insight to understanding the nature of that problem.

I see the reason to state beforehand that

There would be no summary of any sort so don't ask for it.
Please don't comment if you have not read the publication.
You have all rights to just pass by and make no comments.

I posted the actual file above but it is rather inconspicuous. thanks though.