Lately, there has been a debate about whether PhDs are doing what they were trained to do. But this is not just about PhDs. Every degree, every certificate, every skill is meant to turn challenges into opportunities. That is how we shape the world.
Try this experiment: Take a blank sheet of paper and draw a small dot in the middle. Now, ask yourself—do you see the tiny dot, or do you see the entire sheet of paper? Many will focus on the dot. But the truth is, the blank space around it holds unlimited possibilities.
This is how knowledge works. A PhD, the highest level of academic achievement, is not just about deep expertise in a narrow field. It is a tool, a bridge, a key. And its power is determined by how it is used.
Africa is filled with problems. But problems are nothing more than untapped solutions waiting to be unlocked. We don’t need to wait for big institutions or funding to apply our knowledge. We need to move knowledge to the ground and bring the ground’s wisdom into knowledge.
A History PhD can record local stories and share them on YouTube, preserving culture and boosting tourism. A Literature PhD can self-publish books that inspire and educate. A Geography PhD can use free mapping software to help communities plan roads. A Chemistry PhD can teach farmers to make organic fertilizers from waste. An Economist can develop simple financial models that empower small businesses. A Social Scientist can create strategies to build stronger communities.
These are not theories. They are practical solutions happening right now. Many PhDs are already doing incredible work—innovating, teaching, and building solutions that matter. Their efforts deserve recognition and celebration.
But we need to go further. We need a reimagination of what it means to be educated. My grandmother always said, "Wisdom is not what you know, but what you do with what you know." The true test of a PhD—or any degree—is not just research, but impact.
So here’s the challenge:
1️⃣ Start where you are. Take one piece of your knowledge and apply it practically, no matter how small.
2️⃣ Share your expertise in ways that help others—whether through mentorship, content creation, or direct action.
3️⃣ Collaborate across disciplines. Innovation happens when different minds come together to solve real problems.
The question is: What are you doing with what you know?
Richard Munang
Mindset Space
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