Towards an Autonomous and Self-Sustaining Model of Higher Education System in Africa.

Abstract:

Higher education institutions in Africa are expected to serve as centers of knowledge production, engines of economic growth, and custodians of cultural heritage. The effective fulfillment of these functions depends on the preservation of core academic values such as institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and meritocracy. However, existing models of higher education administration and management in Africa often fail to provide adequate space for institutional autonomy and academic freedom. This study sought to propose a reimagined model for the African higher education system that safeguards institutional autonomy, protects academic freedom, and ensures financial sustainability. Grounded in four interrelated theoretical perspectives—institutional autonomy, resource dependence, organizational resilience, and knowledge economy theories- the study adopted an exploratory model-building research design to carry out the study. Drawing on insights from an extensive literature review and the analysis of relevant documents, it suggests a model that promotes financial self-sustainability and institutional autonomy. The proposed model is based on eight fundamental pillars: governance and autonomy, financial sustainability, academic freedom and knowledge production, transformation in teaching and learning, innovation and enterprise, community and societal engagement, sustainability and resilience, and accountability and quality assurance. The study argues that this model not only guarantees institutional autonomy and financial independence but is also socially relevant and aligned with international standards.