Higher Education for Development: An Exploration of the Necessities, Barriers of Management, Governance and Regulation of Higher Learning Institutions in Developing Countries

Abstract

This review paper focused on the major transformations undertaken to develop higher education. The higher education systems have been undergoing a major transformation influenced by national and international developments in developing countries. The main causes of such transformations were based on rapid expansion of student enrolment, a relative decrease in public funding along with a shortage of private funding, the increasing importance of research and innovation in the global and knowledge-based economy, and wider competition between higher education institutions. The role of higher education as a primary tool for development of countries has been identified. Developing countries intend to build a strong vibrant higher education system that will be internationally competitive, meet the demands of the population and regional economy for skilled and educated workers, and deliver research, innovation and knowledge transfer to support social and economic development. This paper has tempted to review the necessities and barriers that hinder development of countries through the development of higher education by adequate management, governance and regulation. The paper also suggested related solutions to barriers that were identified in this review.

Keywords: Management, Governance, Institutional autonomy, Transparency, Higher education.