The dynamics of the university systems in low income countries have changed drastically in the last three decades, and suggest directions in which higher education might be heading. Financing which depends more heavily on private resources and user contributions is the only feasible approach for reducing existing inefficiency and increasing…

Presents evidence concerning the rate of return to investment in education in 32 countries. The emerging pattern shows declining returns through time, viewed in the context of alternative theories about the education-earnings relationship. The evidence supports a human capital model and continued expansion of education in developing countries.…

Describes various mistakes or disasters in national educational planning involving international comparisons, manpower forecasting, vocational "relevance," and government intervention and financing. Advocates less reliance on vague "macroplanning" and more emphasis on specific policies addressing particular educational issues and on…

The socioeconomic rationale of higher education provision in developing countries is examined by a review of the costs and benefits associated with investment in higher education as a whole and especially in different postsecondary subjects. University expenditures in developing countries typically account for less than 20 percent of the state…

Education is an economically and socially productive investment. Therefore, the educational systems in developing countries must continue to improve in quality, in efficiency, and in equality of opportunity if they are to continue serving as important instruments for improving the national economy. Yet, budgetary austerity tightens the public…

This essay deals with a series of methodological issues involved in assessing training priorities in developing countries. It is argued that the present methods of arriving at these priorities leave much to be desired, and a number of suggestions are made that might lead to more informed policy decisions on education and training. (CT)