This paper aims to gauge the likely impact of COVID-19 on the sustainability of MENA states’ higher education institutions (HEIs).
The study is based primarily on library research conducted by the author. It follows a sociological approach to studying certain features of MENA HEIs, their policies and problem areas.
Findings show that, spurred by a heightened global drive towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and coupled with an urgent national necessity to play a key role in this process, most present-day MENA states have made decent strides towards modernising their lagging HEIs. Furthermore, this bold move is justified on the grounds that developed and middle-income developing countries have, to varying degrees, experienced shifts towards a knowledge-based society; MENA states have made an express desire to follow suit.
The author believes the novelty/value of the paper is shown by the new outlook that it seeks to bring to bear on the analysis of the problem areas. This incorporates a range of possible economic, social and cultural dimensions, contrasted with those prevalent in OECD and other developed countries.
The study highlights the major opportunities and challenges most likely to face social policy and decision-makers in MENA states, and which could be described as chiefly ‘institutional’. We conclude by offering, hopefully, some enlightened recommendations that have direct practical implications for policy-making.
Adam, A., M. (2021): Higher Education in MENA: A Social Policy Challenge, International Journal of Innovation and Knowledge Management in Middle East and North Africa, Vol 9, No. 1/2, pp. 63-75.
