STRENGTHENING RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES
Abstract
Universities represent one of the most important kinds of scientific institutions in Africa. In addition to offering advanced scientific training, they account for a significant proportion of national research and development activities. But African countries are increasingly unable to support their systems of innovation, including universities, and they are falling behind other developing countries in the production of science. This paper examines the establishment of higher education in Africa, trends in educational expansion, the high costs of scientific training, and the politicization of universities. Strategies for strengthening postgraduate training and research capacities in African universities must take into account the inter-relationships between postgraduate and undergraduate education and the poor quality of science education from primary to university levels. Attention is drawn to the need for diversification of university systems, reduced reliance on government funding, and better integration of universities into national research and development efforts. RÉSUMÉ Les universités figurent au premier rang des établissements scientifiques en Afrique. En plus de dispenser une formation scientifique avancée, elles effectuent un volume important d'activités de recherche-développement. Mais les pays africains ont de plus en plus de mal à épauler leurs systèmes d'innovation, notamment les universités, et ils trainent derrière d'autres pays en développement au chapitre de la production scientifique. Cet article analyse l'implantation de l'enseignement supérieur enAfrique, les tendances en matière d'expansion, les coûtes élevés de laformation scientifique et la politisation des universités. Les stratégies visant à renforcer le potentiel de formation et de recherche au niveau des 2e/3e cycles et de jer cycle et de la piètre qualité de l'enseignement des sciences depuis le primaire jusqu'à l'université. L'auteur fait état du besoin de diversifier les systèmes universitaires, de moins compter sur les fonds gouvernementaux et de mieux intégrer les universités dans les activités nationales de recherche-développement.Downloads
Published
1992-04-01
How to Cite
Eismon, T. O., & Davis, C. H. (1992). STRENGTHENING RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 27(002). Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/8033
Issue
Section
Articles
License
Those wishing to reproduce all or part of any material published on this website are asked to email mje.education@mcgill.ca for permission and to acknowledge the McGill Journal of Education as the original source.
Authors must transfer copyright of their article to MJE. Authors may use all or parts of their work in any future publication with the article's origin in MJE acknowledged in the customary manner.
A copy of our standard form may be requested from mje.education@mcgill.ca