Higher Education Systems and Institutions, Burkina Faso

Higher Education System Development

Introduction

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa Sahel, surrounded by Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire. It achieved independence from France in 1960 (IMUNA 2018). The population was estimated at 19.2 million with the median age of 17 in 2017 (UNDP 2018). Its high population growth (3.1%) and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of the population (World Bank 2018a).

Historical Development of Higher Education System

In 1965, the Higher Institute of Pedagogical Training was created with the help of France in Ouagadougou. It was transformed into two independent structures: the University Institute of Pedagogical Technology and the Center for University Studies, which became the Center for Higher Education in 1969. In 1974, various institutions became the University of Ouagadougou: comprised of 12 schools and institutes. At the time of its creation, the University of Ouagadougou’s...