Partnerships in higher education in Africa : communications implications beyond the 2000s

Abstract

Africa's dilemma in the area of higher education is best exemplified by the outstanding contradiction between obsolete, outdated programs and demands for more democracy, more relevance and equity, less dependence vis-a-vis the former colonial powers, U.S. hegemony and so-called globalization. Drastic changes in international relations have pushed Africa further to the margins of history. Bilateral and multilateral assistance have been drastically reduced while the debt burden is worsened by endemic corruption and an endless cycle of crises. Value crises, deteriorating economies, cultural extroversion, political upheavals and social mayhem, global poverty, famine, massive displacements of entire communities are striking images of Africa's plight on television screens throughout the world.