Electronic Theses and Dissertations and the Promotion of Scholarship in African Universities: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

ABSTRACTAfrica has been ranked low among the other regions of the world on the production and communication of research findings. Many have attributed this to poor research culture in the continent, while others blame it on lack of research sponsorship through grants. However, a major issue that is yet to be examined is the visibility of existing research in the region to the international research community. Theses and dissertations are very important research productions that are critical for sustainable national development. Unfortunately, their visibility is not certain to the global scholarly community. The study was conducted to examine the potential of electronic theses and dissertations in promotion of scholarship in Africa and to propose strategies for the full development and adoption of electronic theses and dissertations in African universities.