The development of modern universities in Africa is outlined, focusing on their influencing forces and context. The main challenge is seen as integrating roots in African culture and tradition with the modern world. Ways that the university can respond to the challenge and contribute to solving Africa's pressing problems are explored. (Author/MSE)

The role of the African university in the development of the continent is discussed in terms of African educational history and its effect on societal needs of communities, the influence of Western conceptions of the university, and the world role it can play within the academic community. The first essay examines the historical development of the…

A discussion of the role of universities in Africa's developing nations outlines the problems faced by African countries in transition, delineates role areas for the university, examines problems preventing universities from realizing these roles, and offers suggestions for overcoming these obstacles. (MSE)

Two reports on higher education in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are the basis for an examination of the potential and problems of higher education in developing nations in the southern hemisphere. Ways to improve higher education in these areas using north-south university cooperation are suggested. (Author/MSE)

The case of the University of Dar es Salaam illustrates how the concept of community education has been adapted to meet the needs of a university in a developing society. Community-orientation in terms of teaching, research, and other activities is described, and problems of access, admission, control, and participation are considered. (Author/LBH)

In comparing scientific life in Indian, Nigerian, and Kenyan universities, the author tries to suggest how science is shaped by factors associated with its development, its institutional context, with the political and social meaning of a science career, and with the nation's status in the international scientific community. (Author/SJL)

Most African universities were established to produce personnel for colonial or post-colonial governments, and were European models alien to the existing social structure that were transplanted to Africa. Despite their substantial accomplishments, African universities must evolve from their European heritage and re-form themselves for greater…

The relationship between universities and society in Africa is examined. A framework to encompass the desired aims of both the university and society and the relationships between them is formulated. Implications for the structure, content and operation of the university in Africa are indicated. (Author/MLW)

Research models and the issue of public/private utilization of research are discussed, along with implications for development research in Africa. The following types of research are distinguished: policy research, sectoral research, academic research, and consultancy-related research. Three research paradigms are identified: (1) the ideal…

Some instructive experience about the potential and limits of a meaningful role for African universities in the 1980s is discussed. The challenge of the 1980s is to convince African governments and national populations that university contributions to national development lie in the ability to train minds and a thinking society. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the indigenization of universities in Africa. Briefly looks at pre-colonial and colonial education before describing the situation after independence and, especially, the effects on higher education of a concentration of resources on basic education. Draws upon examples, taken mostly from Tanzania. Contains 36 references. (VWC)

The "communiversity" concept was developed as a model for non-university, post-secondary, technical education on the African continent. The prototypes of the communiversity are associate-degree-granting institutions, such as technical colleges, university branches, and community colleges. Like these institutions, the communiversity's…

An extensive final report of the proceedings of an international seminar on distance education in developing nations of Africa includes presented papers, discussion proceedings, and views of several participants. Contents include the following: notes on the origin of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa's initiative in distance…

Innovative programs for the promotion of small-scale enterprise are being conducted by a variety of organizations, including universities, government agencies, international research institutes, and voluntary assistance agencies. Their activities encompass basic extension services, management of cooperatives, community action programs, and…

This collection of 12 essays is drawn from a May 1990 panel meeting in Paris, France in conjunction with a joint United Nations University/United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization project on "The Changing Role of the Universities." Papers are grouped into those on: the general role of the university, regional…