THE ROLE OF A UNIVERSITY IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

Throughout the world universities are expected to change to match changes in their host environment. In the developed world the value of higher education is often questioned for resources expended, while in developing countries education institutions are particularly valued for the contribution they can make towards national development. In Africa the contemporary view is that, to fulfil their role, higher education institutions have to move away from the traditional “Oxbridge” stance and operate in the context of their host societies. Universities in Africa have attempted to meet demands for relevance without basic alterations in academic styles, organization, governance or for most part in curricula. Herein lies the dilemma. This study investigates the role of Makerere University's contribution to the national development of Uganda. Data for the study are drawn primarily from interviews with key people in Ugandan Higher Education.