The University Of Ndam (Darou Alim) Project
HIGHER EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
For several decades, African countries have placed
great emphasis on primary and, more recently, secondary
education. But they have neglected tertiary education
as an added means to improve economic growth and
mitigate poverty.
Enrollment rates for higher education in Sub-Saharan
Africa are by far the lowest in the world. Currently,
the gross enrollment ratio in the region stands
at only 5 per cent.
Because of a longstanding belief that primary and
secondary schooling are more important than tertiary
education for economic development, the international
development community has encouraged African governments’
relative neglect of higher education. For example,
from 1985 to 1989, 17 per cent of the World Bank’s
worldwide education-sector spending was on higher
education. But from 1995 to 1999, the proportion
allotted to higher education declined to just 7
per cent. Higher education in Africa has suffered
from such reductions in spending. Many African countries
struggle to maintain even low enrollment levels,
and the academic research output in the region is
among the world’s lowest.
Recent evidence suggests, however, that higher education
can produce both public and private benefits. The
private benefits for individuals are well established,
and include better employment prospects, higher
salaries, and a greater ability to save and invest.
These benefits may result in better health and improved
quality of life.
Public channels, though less well studied, also
exist. One possible channel through which higher
education can enhance economic development is through
technological catch-up. <next
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