The World Bank Contribution

Abstract

This chapter outlines the Bank's policy in promoting greater reliance on private financing of higher education institutions, and in providing assistance to maintain and improve quality in the public and private sector. The World Bank is actively involved in higher education. As a financial lending institution, it stresses efficient use of scarce national resources. The World Bank is no stranger to education, especially higher education. It is not only interested in the 'bricks and mortar' component of education, but has a keen concern for quality, and this at all levels of the sector. The World Bank believes that governments should encourage the development of private higher education so as to manage better the growth of public institutions, to encourage diversity in training programs and to broaden social participation in the subsector. Basically a financial lending institution, the World Bank has nevertheless stressed the necessity of efficient utilization of scarce national resources, especially those committed to development of people via education.