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The need for better research support at University level


As a student completing my final year, I vividly remember the insatiable desire to just complete the degree, graduate and kiss university life goodbye! Even though I actually enjoyed my course and the fact this had been my dream since my second year of high school, I felt I had enough. At that point, the thought of pursuing a postgraduate degree was the further thing from my mind.

Such psychological damage was based on the opinions (albeit biased) that academics, the professors and full-time researchers that taught us, seemed detached from reality and their expectations from the feeble and vulnerable students, were beyond unreasonable.

I vividly remember the insatiable desire to just complete my course, graduate and kiss university life goodbye!

Even though I saw myself pursuing a postgraduate degree, the notion of having to face the same ordeal of my last few months as an undergraduate, was enough to convince me otherwise. I just didn't see myself having to deal with the bureaucracy, lack of support , lack of funding, postponing the start of my professional career and above all else, releasing my parents' financial burden for my education.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) released a report discussing in detail the trends and issues of postgraduate education around the world. It made note of some key issues which are universal to any university around the world:
  • Misalignment with industry trend and capacity
  • Inconsistent research methods
  • Inadequate project management support
  • Lack of joint research 
  • Low business research funding in Universities

The number of doctorates in a country is a direct reflection of the country's ability to innovate in areas of science and technology

I was one of the fortunate ones to find a way to overcome all the obstacles as set in the above report. I remember the mental fortitude training I had to go through (with the help of my parents and friends) in order to complete my first postgraduate degree and then do the training all over again when I decided to pursue my doctorate degree. Anyone of the issues above have been a major contributor to the premature death of an aspiring postgraduate.

We as Uav4africa have identified some of the issues, specifically research support and joint/collaborative research, as critical services to make available to students, thereby ensuring a high probability of completion at the stipulated time. The company has decided to make use of customized drone prototypes to create a framework upon which research problems can be investigated, tested and validated. The above report also states that the number of doctorates in a country is a direct reflection of the country's ability to innovate in areas of science and technology and therefore improve the quality of life for all it's residents. We see our mission as one beyond achieving business goals but rather a necessity for the greater good of developing countries.

Contact uav4africa today, and let us assist you in creating a different postgraduate experience.


Paulin Kantue (PhD Candidate, Aero. Eng)
Head of Research and Development
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