Further into Higher Education in Africa

This figure shows tertiary or higher education gross enrollment ratio in various regions of the world. As can be observed, although higher education has risen considerably in all parts of the world Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest enrollment ratio in the world.

There are several factors that have contributed to the deteriorated state of the higher education system of Africa. One such factor is the relationship between higher education and law in many African countries. For example, the Ministry of Education in Madagascar appoints all faculty members, sets salaries, and determines working conditions. This forces faculty members to be closely linked to the political system. Rather than making teaching their number one priority they have to focus more on "running" for election to win or maintain a seat as a faculty member. A similar case occurs in Benin and Tanzania where the goverment appoints all senior University managers. Likewise, in Cameroon the Minster of Education hold supervisory authority over Universities.

It is important to note that this is not the case in all African countries. For instance, in Angola and Liberia universities are allowed full autonomy in decision making. The problem that arises here is that often the quality of education suffers do to lack of governmental regulation.

As can be seen, the higher educational system in Africa varies widely. There often seems to be a lack of balance of power beween the higher education institutions and the government.