Higher Education for Human Development: Perspectives from Tanzanian Universities
Keywords:
Higher education, Human development, Public good, Tanzania, Students, GraduatesAbstract
The value of higher education (HE) in Tanzania is mostly dominated by economic thinking and in private terms, accrued to one individual. This interpretation is criticized for its narrow and limited account of the value of HE. As such, scholars have argued for a more and expansive understanding of the value of HE, which moves beyond the economic dimensions to include human development values. However, from a broader interpretation of the importance of HE, relatively little is understood about Tanzanian universities' potential to enhance human development. On the other hand, while the focus in more on the number and diversity of students' population, relatively little is understood on how do students and graduates interpret the value of HE. This study aspires to understand how HE in Tanzania can contribute to human development drawing from students' and graduates' perspectives. Through human development and the capability approach, this research seeks to understand the views of students and graduates regarding the value of HE in their lives and to society. This study uses mixed-methods multiple case study designs. Data was collected through survey questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. This study is centered on (a) building a conceptual and empirical understanding of how HE can contribute to human development drawing from students' and graduates' perspectives. (b) Builds on and contributes to the knowledge of the value of HE for individuals and low-income countries.
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