Exploring Research and Innovation in Engineering Education in African Higher Education

There has been a rapid increase in the global population in general and Africa in particular and this has made access to adequate housing, sufficiency in power, access to good roads and adequate access to health care very difficult on the African continent.As a result of this, there is a need to rethink sustainable economic growth and a better life for all.This can only be made possible through research and innovations.Research and innovation which explores all fields STEM fields particularly engineering and all its sub disciplines.Hence, this paper explored how engineering research can lead to innovations that will help solve the problem of socioeconomic inadequacies of Africa.The findings reveal that in a world shaped by a high degree of complexity, fluidity, and uncertainty, engineering education through research and innovation can provide a gateway to meet the constantly evolving need of mankind.The paper therefore recommends that governments in Africa need to invest more in engineering research as it remains a vital option to ensure growth and economic development on the continent.This can be done by creating a conducive atmosphere for research innovation and engagement, as well as constantly increasing funding for research and development along that line.Premiums should also be placed on universities and industries to work collaboratively to see the desire result.