Gussai

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Training for Africa

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About this handbook

This is the first and basic training module on science, technology and innovation (STI) policy for Africa to be produced by the ACTS Consortium/STIPRO as part of the outputs for their work on theme III of the Science Granting Councils’ Initiative (SGCI). We therefore find it fruitful – by way of background information – to inform on three major issues, namely the understanding of the critical importance of innovation in Africa’s development by the Africa’s governments; why is policy important; and why this specific module on reconciling theory, practice and policies.… More

Engineering education, development and growth in Africa

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Sheikheldin, Gussai and Nyichomba, Bavo. 2019. ‘Engineering education, development and growth in Africa.’ Scientific African, Vol. 6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00200

Abstract:
Africa is trying to overcome the challenge of having significant shortage of engineering skills. Yet, paradoxically, many engineering graduates find it difficult to land employment in engineering fields. Although it may sound confusing at first, that demand for engineers and unemployment of engineers happen simultaneously, a valid explanation is not only about the number of engineers in the job market, but the number of engineers with matching skills for the jobs awaiting them.… More

To Be or Not To Be: Sudan at Crossroads (Preface)

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To be or not to be

I have been an avid reader of the work of M. Jalal Hashim (MJH) for about a decade. This is the first time I read a book of his in English.

For me, as a Sudanese reader and writer, MJH has a firm place in a special, short list of critically important, contemporary Sudanese writers, due to his prolific and valuable record of publications, mostly in Arabic (with some papers and essays in English), addressing various topics from Sudan’s social history, to political theory, to cultural analysis and literary critique.… More

Liberation and Technology

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About the book

“The most fundamental difference between ‘developing’ and ‘developed’ societies is technology, in a broad yet specific sense”; so states the author of this important study, Liberation and Technology: Development possibilities in pursuing technological autonomy. The ways in which technology is developed, institutionalized, animated and celebrated, form the core of ‘development’ (human, economic, environmental, etc.) and ultimately civilization itself. But ‘techno-spheres’ are not only technical.… More

The Seasoned Revolutionary: a short-er story

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The seasoned revolutionary, in her old age, once sat on the ground, gazing aimlessly into the night sky, then spoke quietly to those in her company:

“Do not seek justice. The universe will laugh at you. It is like spending serious time searching for your imaginary friend.

You cannot explain the big bang, the formation and explosion of stars, the creation of the elements inside the guts of stars, the formation of planets, solar systems, atmospheres, life, and evolution, in terms of justice.… More

The Market is alright; but not the Market Economy

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I am no fan the market economy, and I have been so for many years. However in the last few years, with more learning and understanding, I came to the conclusion that, while still no fan of the market economy, I don’t have an ideological problem with the market.

What applies to the market economy, as an economic system, does not necessarily apply to the market itself as an economic phenomenon (a single institution).… More