Naomi Alabi captured during her presentation
Naomi Alabi, a Ghanaian scholar and daughter of Professor Joshua Alabi, presented her research paper titled “Equity at a Crossroads: Rethinking Private Provision in Ghana’s Higher Education” at a prestigious international conference hosted by the University of Oxford.
The conference, held over the week at Ruskin College, Oxford, was a collaborative effort by the West African Higher Education Network (WAHEN), the Centre for Global Higher Education (CGHE), and the Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE).
The event focused on the theme “Access and Geopolitics: Next Steps in Tackling the Equity Crisis in Global Higher Education”.
Alabi’s presentation delved into the complexities of private higher education in Ghana, examining its role in promoting or hindering equitable access to tertiary education.
Her research highlighted the challenges faced by private institutions, including financial constraints and regulatory hurdles, and proposed strategies to enhance their contribution to Ghana’s educational landscape.
The conference brought together scholars and policymakers from around the world to discuss pressing issues in higher education, such as the politics of widening participation, the financing of access, and the impact of private provision on the public good. Alabi’s participation underscored the importance of including diverse perspectives in these global conversations.
Her insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on how to balance private and public interests in higher education, particularly in developing countries like Ghana, where access and equity remain critical concerns.