In a recent conversation with a Middle Eastern friend pursuing a PhD in Malaysia, I was startled by a troubling revelation. Despite his academic pursuits being far removed from sensitive topics, he expressed fear that completing his doctoral studies might lead him straight to prison. The reason? His research, if divergent from state narratives, could lead to persecution, a reality he lamented.
Similarly, in a recent exchange with a colleague from North Africa, I extended an invitation for a collaborative research venture on a topic pertaining to global governance. To my surprise, he declined, citing apprehensions about antagonising his government, which maintains its own distinct perspective on the matter. This encounter served as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance researchers must navigate between academic inquiry and political sensitivities in certain regions.
These and similar jarring encounters led me to reflect on the stark contrast in academic freedoms between nations. In Nigeria, we are fortunate to enjoy an abundance of academic liberty. Nigerian scholars can delve into any subject matter, shedding light on their findings without fear of reprisal. Yet, it appears this cherished freedom is often taken for granted or overlooked by our academic community.
Academic freedom is not just a privilege but also a responsibility. It allows researchers to explore diverse perspectives and challenge established norms. In Nigeria, academics, whether state-funded or independent, can pursue their inquiries without interference, provided they adhere to rigorous evidence-based practices.
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My conversation with my friends sparked a deep curiosity about academic freedom across nations. Intrigued by this discussion, I delved into the Academic Freedom Index (AFI) dataset compiled by the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and the V-Dem Institute. This comprehensive dataset comprises five key indicators: freedom to research and teach, freedom of academic exchange and dissemination, institutional autonomy, campus integrity, and freedom of academic and cultural expression.
Upon exploring the latest release of the AFI dataset for 2023, I discovered that Nigeria boasts an impressive score of 0.91 on a scale of 0 to 1, positioning it as a leader among the 54 independent African countries. Even South Africa, renowned for its higher education sector, trails behind with a score of 0.82.
To contextualise Nigeria’s remarkable academic freedom score, let us consider comparisons with nations often hailed for their advancements in higher education. For instance, the United Kingdom achieves an AFI score of 0.79, the United States garners 0.69, and Canada attains 0.86. These countries are typically viewed as beacons of progress and development, yet Nigeria surpasses the majority of them in academic freedom.
This revelation underscores Nigeria’s remarkable progress in nurturing an environment conducive to intellectual exploration and innovation, even outpacing nations admired for their educational systems. It compels us to reassess our perceptions of global leadership in academic freedom and recognise Nigeria’s commendable achievements in this domain.
Moreover, academic freedom provides a myriad of benefits that extend far beyond mere recognition. Nigerian universities and researchers can capitalise on these achievements to attract funding, especially from external sources. This influx of funding not only strengthens research endeavours but also facilitates collaborations with international partners, fostering a vibrant academic ecosystem.
Additionally, academic freedom empowers our academics and researchers to delve into pressing issues and challenges facing the nation, or pursue topics of personal interest, without fear of reprisal. This unfettered freedom of inquiry and expression is essential for driving innovation and finding solutions to complex societal problems.
Furthermore, academic freedom serves as a catalyst for enhancing the reputation and standing of Nigerian universities, both within the African continent and on the global stage. By fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives and diverse perspectives are valued, Nigerian institutions can attract top talent, forge meaningful partnerships, and contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and scholarship worldwide.
Similarly, individual academics and researchers have several compelling reasons to spotlight this type of data. Firstly, while Nigerians readily address areas where the country falls short, it is equally important to celebrate and acknowledge our successes. Secondly, academic freedom plays a pivotal role in securing funding, both domestically and internationally, particularly for topics deemed sensitive or of significant state interest. Thirdly, the path to resolving challenges begins with a thorough study and analysis of those issues. Therefore, for Nigeria to overcome its obstacles, it necessitates an academic and research environment characterised by maximum freedom.
While Nigerian academics face various challenges, such as inadequate compensation and funding, it is evident that academic freedom, a fundamental pillar of progress, is not among them. However, this fact may sometimes be overlooked by Nigerian academics, as people often tend to focus on what they lack, overlooking the many other assets they possess.
In stark contrast to the experiences of my Middle Eastern and North African counterparts, Nigerian academics and researchers operate within a landscape of academic freedom, free from the spectre of reprisal. Recognising and valuing the prevalence of academic freedom within Nigeria is paramount for nurturing a culture of innovation, excellence, and progress in research and scholarship.
Usman PhD, Coordinator African Studies Circle and Senior Fellow Asia Middle East Centre for Research and Dialogue (AMEC)
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