Governance Arrangement in the Ethiopian Higher Education System- Moving Towards Quasi-Market?

Abstract

Inspired by ideological shifts and pragmatic reasons, governments around the world are experimenting quasi-market type of higher education governance. Introduction of (quasi) market elements in higher education (HE) is also justified by its presumed benefits in efficiency among others. This study had Ethiopian higher education institutions as its focal area. In the study all the higher education institutions both public and private were considered. The study had the purpose of examining whether higher education governance in Ethiopia is moving towards quasi-market. Data were collected from policy documents, statistical abstracts and secondary sources. The public higher education institutions were also contacted by phone to collect data on their practices on some aspects of quasi markets. The analytical tool used was four dimensions of higher education supplier sovereignty. All the data were analyzed qualitatively. It was found out that even though it has started the journey, higher education governance in Ethiopia is a far cry from quasi-market. Following this way the government can make better use of quasi market governance are recommended.