Christian universities are flourishing in Africa. This trend is a result of the rise of Christian adherence and growth of higher education, according to the University World News.
From 9 million Christians living in Africa a century ago, there are now 555 million African Christians from different denominations—Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal and African-instituted.
More regional institutions were founded and private universities and technical schools were granted charters by the African government.
The growth of the Christian population in Africa resulted in an increase in demand for more Christian universities. In the 1960’s, there were 41 universities and 16,500 students in Africa. The latest census in 2010 showed that there are now 668 higher education institutions and 5.2 million students enrolled in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Africa, however, didn’t reach these amazing statistics without facing some problems in the last 50 years. African universities were subjected to budget cuts during the 1980’s. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund pushed for changes in debtor nations’ education budget, prioritizing primary and secondary education.
Many secondary education students wanted to continue studying in universities. The financial crisis in the education system brought on the realization that higher education is just as important in nation building.
The World Bank reversed its previous decision and resolved to give back to universities the importance it deserves in a nation’s development. This resulted in Western foreign aid programs re-targeting higher education and the return of private sponsors. More regional institutions were founded and private universities and technical schools were granted charters by the African government.
Various support from the government and foreign countries paved the way for the growth of Christian universities in Africa. Leaders hope that higher education will indeed help the nation’s growth.
Source:
Universityworldnewscom. (2017). Universityworldnewscom. http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20170131142300487
