HIGHER EDUCATION IN AFRICA: RECENT TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

A brief review of the relevant global and local factors will set the scene for a survey of some of the key challenges confronting the university sector on the continent, as well as the various approaches that have been adopted for dealing with them. In the years immediately following the attainment of political independence in most African countries, the typically young and small university sector was invested with high national aspirations and supported from public resources. The situation is a good deal more problematic today, with reduced levels of public funding for a hugely expanded and diversified sector. This article analyzes the higher education and its impact in economic development of Africa. It also examines such topics as access to higher education, the challenges of funding, and the growing role of higher education in Africa.