Director: Daniel C. Levy

Demand-absorbing Private Higher Education: Benin

PROPHE Summary:

Benin confronts a serious clash between rising demand for higher education and the finance available. This has led to a multiplication of private institutions. Quality and structure are also issues of concern, and accreditation of the privates is a major policy consideration. Some of the private institutions are affiliated with foreign institutions, especially in France.

For the full story see "Benin: Higher Education in Crisis"by Wagdy Sawahel. June 21,2009. University World News.Issue 0081. http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20090618195102162

PROPHE Observation:

Benin would appear to be yet another classic African case of demand-absorbing private expansion as the existing higher education system cannot accommodate rising demand for higher education. The article is ambiguous as to whether there is one or more public institutions but clearly both public and private see expanding enrollment. A private enrollment share of 20 percent would be relatively high for Africa, particularly francophone Africa. There are probably already more than two dozen private institutions, predominantly small and in fields related to the labor market.