Key challenges and issues facing African Universities: A case study of selected African Universities
Abstract
151 words
This study assessed the “health” of seven universities in eastern,
central and southern Africa with respect to agricultural training
and skill enhancement opportunities, appropriateness of
curricula, staffing and access to learning resources and other
databases. The selected universities represented varied sociopolitical
backgrounds, different histories and length of
involvement in agricultural training. Most of the universities
were grossly understaffed, few staff had PhDs, and many of
these were close to retirement or were engaged outside the
university system. There was limited research output, and most
of the universities lacked organised students and staff data
bases. Except for Egerton University, none of the other
universities had a well established Quality Assurance Unit.
However, efforts were being made to ensure curriculum were
responsive to market needs. Indeed stakeholders were regularly
consulted but limited funding did not permit effective
implementation of several skill enhancement activities for both
students and staff, including field practicals for students.
Subjects
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