Conflict And Higher Education In The Midst Of Political Instability: The Case Of The Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny In Cote D’ivoire.

Abstract

This research focuses on the impact of conflict on higher education in Africa using the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Cote D’Ivoire for analysis. There have been widespread of conflict with their devastating impacts on all facets of lives. Education is one sector which have suffered from prolong conflicts. For example, conflict had a detrimental effect on the academic calendar; Students have been of campuses for a long time; teaching and learning have stalled. Some students even abandon school to take part in the conflicts etc. Notwithstanding, there seems not to be much scholarly attention on the impact of conflicts on Higher Education. To contribute to the knowledge, the research study employed a qualitative methodological approach utilizing a personal interview technique. Using a purposive sample of eleven (11) participants made up of 6 teaching staffs, 4 student leaders and a Representative of the Association of African Universities (AAU). On the whole the study found out that both students and staff were deeply affected in many ways, psychologically and economically. Specifically, the study found out that, students were negatively affected as there was loss of skills and knowledge, loss of valuable learning, decline in enrolment, displacement of households and widening inequalities at the onset of the conflict. The findings show that higher education was largely affected in relation to the sources of funding which was not forthcoming despite the disproportionate low share that higher education receives from the annual education budget. The findings also reveal that infrastructure of the university was affected as some were badly damaged. Furthermore, the findings show that some students were found to be involved directly or indirectly in the activities of the rebel groups. It is therefore prudent therefore for all stakeholders to rise to protect higher education as its contribution to the building of society is very highly commendable. The study recommends the strict enforcement of the ECOWAS conflict prevention mechanisms so as to forestall future occurrence of civil wars among others.