A former executive secretary of the National Universities Commission, Peter Okebukola, has called on African leaders to establish and fund institutions that support Africa-led research.

Mr Okebukola made the call in an interview on Monday in Ota, Ogun.

He said the initiative would reduce the African continent’s heavy dependence on developed countries for research.

Mr Okebukola highlighted the need for African leaders to invest in areas such as history, medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

“When Africans produce knowledge and solutions to their own problems, it combats the perception that outside expertise is always needed.

“In addition, African leaders can help shape the global narrative by providing an authentic perspective on the continent’s history and challenges,” he said.

Mr Okebukola added that the ability of African leaders to implement such policies or programmes would help eliminate the internalised inferiority complex in developing countries.

(NAN)