Celebrating 60 Years of University Expansion in Zimbabwe

Abstract

In the spirit of celebrating Zimbabwe’s higher education and the inspiration coming from the University of Zimbabwe, the country’s first university, which is currently enjoying 60 years of existence since its inception, this article focuses on the history of university expansion throughout Zimbabwe. In recent years, expansion of university education has been widespread throughout Africa despite the significant economic demands and constraints such expansion places upon government budgets. Both cases for and against university expansion are compelling. This paper examines the rising tide of university expansion, giving the argument supporting and opposing such a move from economic, social, and political points of view. The need for a national dialogue on the future of tertiary education is suggested in the conclusion.