BUILDING FUTURES: AN EVALUATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Abstract

Higher education institutions play a vital role in today's competitive landscape by offering high-quality education and research services. However, the rising number of students, changing labor market demands, and budget constraints have forced countries to focus on the efficiency of their higher education systems. This study explores the efficiency of higher education institutions, particularly in developing countries, where performance challenges persist. Low success rates in various countries highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. For instance, France reported a 28.4% three-year graduation rate in the 2015-2016 academic year, while Senegal's Cheikh Anta Diop had a 40% success rate in 2016-2017. Burkina Faso and the Republic of the Congo faced similar challenges. This research concentrates on the Republic of the Congo's higher education system, considering its unique characteristics, including a single public university since 1962 and the emergence of the private sector in 1991. The public university is grappling with overcrowding, insufficient teaching staff, and frequent disruptions due to strikes. Meanwhile, the private higher education sector, with over 18 years of existence, requires scrutiny regarding its performance. The study aims to shed light on the efficiency of higher education institutions in the Republic of the Congo and offers insights into improving their effectiveness in delivering quality education.