While higher education across Africa is mostly a dream at this point, Ghana is setting a good example for its neighbors. From 2004 to 2010 the number of students enrolled in higher education in Ghana has increased from 14,500 students to more than 150,000 students. The country is presently spending about 30 percent of its budget on education.
I appreciate what the country is attempting to do, and know that it is very important for the country to continue to develop their higher education system. Increased education levels could assist in bolstering the country’s and the world’s economy, in time. However, committing 30 percent of a country’s total budget to one area seems extremely high.
Committing such a large portion of the budget raises questions in regards to the length of time they can actually continue to commit this amount of money to education. If the money disappears from education in a year or two it could be detrimental to the progress that has already been made in the education system in Ghana. It is really tough to find details on an actual plan for education in African nations. I have read articles in the past that speak to education growth in different parts of the region, but I have never found anything on a grander plan for education in the area. While Ghana sets a good example, I worry about what happens when the money dries up, and when others do not follow their example. I struggle to believe that they can transform education in the region on their own.
Another main concern here is that there are not jobs for individuals once they do receive an education. I fear that educated individuals will simply leave the country for better opportunities, and hinder progress for decades to come. My understanding of the history of higher education in the United States is limited, but this basic understanding allows me to deduct that education became a priority in this country because we needed educated individuals to properly fill employment opportunities. So, the U.S. had a need for higher education. As I understand the situation in Africa, there is not necessarily a large need for higher education. It appears as though the country is hoping that education will breed a better job market. I do see the logic behind this, but again I worry that if the jobs are not there when people are ready for them, they will take their skills elsewhere. In this scenario, it seems that there needs to be a demand before a country can focus on meeting it.
Again, I am not intending to paint a bleak picture of the education in Africa and Ghana, or speak negatively about the efforts they are making. I believe the efforts are admirable, and it would be fantastic to see a better higher education system in the region. However, I do have concerns that without a better master plan, higher education in Africa may be doomed before it ever finds success.
I have to say I have not seen much on the education reforms in Africa and Ghana or maybe I am not paying as much attention. Nonetheless, initially I agree that 30% of the budget on education is unsustainable and that loss of that funding could really set back some of the progress made.
ReplyDeleteHowever, with a similar disclaimer - if I recall my history correctly. I do not think US higher education had a master plan to setting our current system up and I would argue that we will do not have a master plan on how our education systems will work.
I would hope that the minds of these educational programs are getting together to consider what the next and sustainable steps are regardless progress in the area of education in my mind is worth it - plan or lack thereof.