A volume in International Higher EducationSeries Editors Fredrick M. Nafukho, Texas A&M University;
and Beverly Irby, Texas A&M University
While universities world over are undergoing reforms and change, in the case of African universities as
illustrated in this book, the reforms and changes are profound and can best be described as transformative.
This book is unique in many ways, which makes it extraordinary. First, unlike other books that have examined
issues on higher education in Africa from externalist positions, the contributors to this book are scholars who have been educated, are currently
teaching in African universities or have taught in African universities. The book specifically focuses on transformations in the governance of African
universities and its implications on equity, entrepreneurship, innovation, quality assurance, information and communication technologies (ICTs), and
reform issues in higher education in Africa.
The book presents pertinent research on governance in African universities in an experiential and empirical manner. The contributors of the book
chapters include individuals actively involved in teaching, researching and governance of higher education institutions in Africa. The chapters are
based on empirical data, including review of relevant literature. The book also recognizes that university governance is more than just crisis in
financial or economic issues, but includes best management practices, shared governance, meaningful reforms, strategic planning, consultation,
transparency and accountability, client (students, lecturers, parents and the public) satisfaction, as well
as the role of the university in development.
The contributions take cognizance of the fact that governance as a concept is facing fundamental
changes in the context of global knowledge economy, and African local conditions. Contributors also
take cognizance of the fact that one important source of change in Africa has been the accelerating
speed of scientific and technological advancement in learning at universities where lifelong learning
programs, adult learning programs, distance and online learning are relatively new. The chapters are
also sensitive to new changes in gender, demographical, technological, education reforms, social and
economic transformations in the governance of African universities. The book is basically an academic
book for use by undergraduates and graduate students at universities, policy makers and formulators in
African ministries of Education; supra national organizations, foreign organizations working in Africa,
NGOs and CBOs as well as development stakeholders, and community organizers.