Africa's social and economic crisis : the challenge to institutions of higher learning

Abstract

This paper proposes ways in which African institutions of higher learning might begin preparing themselves to take on this task. Section 3 of the paper, gives a brief description of the nature and extent of the social and economic crisis in Africa. A short review of measures undertaken over the years to forestall its coming to the fore is provided in Section C. In Section D, the paper analyses the role of third level educational institutions in Africa's development with a view to, showing some dysfunctional relationships between objective needs for development and third level educational policies and programmes. In the light of the discussions in these sections, a number of action proposals are preferred in Section F. These proposals serve as a basis for discussion and as a spring board for action by Africa's institutions of higher learning, through the Association of African Universities.