African flagship universities: their neglected contributions

Abstract

This study documents and analyzes the contributions of flagship universities in Africa in teaching, learning, graduates, and research productivity since their inception. On the basis of empirical evidence (from an ongoing study) on eleven ‘flagship’ universities in Africa—Addis Ababa, Botswana, Cairo, Chiekh Anta Diop, Dar es Salaam, Ibadan, Ghana, Makerere, Mauritius, Nairobi, and Zambia—and other relevant data sources, the study examines the contribution of these institutions nationally and beyond. The study, for the first time, attempts to unveil comparative enrollment patterns as well as establish graduate numbers in the flagship universities since their founding. It further brings to light the extent of productivity of these institutions with an anticipated effect of moderating some of the critical views against such institutions regarding their contributions.