Neoliberalism and University Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

James R Ochwa-Echel

doi:10.1177/2158244013504933

Abstract

This article reviews the history of university development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and discusses the impact of neoliberal policies. This will be followed by an examination of the problems facing universities in the region. The following questions will be explored: (a) Are the existing universities in SSA serving the development needs of the region? (b) Are these universities up to the task of moving SSA out of the predicaments it faces such as famine, HIV/AIDS, poverty, diseases, debt, and human rights abuses? Finally, the article argues that for universities to play a role in the development of the region, a new paradigm that makes university education a public good should be established.

Highlights

Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continue to struggle economically since the massive decline of the 1980s
I argue that for universities to play a role in the development of the region, a new paradigm, which makes university education a public good, should be constituted
This article will only include reasons pertinent to the discussion of university education, such as the flawed theories of development that have been the hallmark of development assistance to SSA and the role the World Bank plays as a capitalist institution

Summary

Introduction

Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continue to struggle economically since the massive decline of the 1980s. The World Bank has dominated development assistance to SSA throughout the postcolonial period, and it was the principal architect of structural adjustment policies.

Results

Conclusion