The private higher education sector in Africa: current trends and themes in six country studies

In Africa, the phenomenon of access to public higher education is under much pressure, and is harnessed by (among others) two privatization forces. These refer to the retreat of the State in terms of the provisioning of public higher education and the global economic rush, which have culminated in both an increase in the number and to some extent the range of private higher education institutional types with diverse course offerings. Although still small in scale and not representing a dominant share of higher education enrolment, their existence signals that they are meeting a social function of access in Africa, albeit limited. In light of this, there are traces of course offerings that suggest a small alignment with the economic and social needs of a modern society. Caught between the interstices of global economic capital and national societal functions, these institutions’ mandates and identities are beginning to be stretched to meet modern imperatives. But, in this vortex, they are simultaneously hamstrung by certain sustainable systemic elements that go against the grain of the requirements for traditional higher education. Following this line of argument, the article begins with a broad overview of enrolments, institutional types, curricula, financing, governance, academic staff, accreditation and regulations, and research in the field of private higher education in Africa, drawing on six country studies (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe) and outlining some of the discursive trends (scale, relationship to economy and society, quality assurance, equity and access, financial dependency). It concludes by providing a snapshot glimpse into the private higher education sector in South Africa. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract]