Analysis of enrolment rate in private institutions in west African countries

Abstract

Higher education in Africa is often characterized by academic institutions shaped by colonialism and patterned after the European model. With the demand for educational access unstoppable in Africa, it also has immense possibilities for modernization and development in the face of low post secondary attendance levels. One way that has contributed to this drive is the institutionalization of private institutions in the higher education landscape in Africa. This study looked at enrollment rate in private universities in West African Countries by first examining the higher education landscape in Africa and understanding the drive for private institutions in Africa. findings from the study revealed that there has been increase in enrollment rate in private institutions in west African countries. This study therefore recommends that government should focus on both public and private higher education institution to avert a downward spiral in educational quality in the public institutions and to also encourage quality and control in the private institutions. There is also need for proper regulation of private universities to avoid a repeat of the inadequacies of public universities.