AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF WEST AFRICA TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF WEST AFRICA COUNTRIES

Abstract

Tertiary education in West Africa plays a central role in national and regional development through the production of skilled human capital, promotion of research and innovation, support for social mobility, and strengthening of democratic participation. This chapter provides a situational assessment of tertiary institutions across West Africa, highlighting their major contributions as well as persistent challenges — overcrowding, inadequate funding, brain drain, curricular mismatch, limited research capacity, and inequitable access. The chapter concludes with practical recommendations for revitalizing the sector, including increased investment, curriculum reform aligned with labour-market needs, targeted equity measures, retention strategies for academic talent, and stronger research support and governance. These reforms aim to enable tertiary institutions in West Africa to better fulfil their role as engines of development.