The American Higher Education System: Questions, Questions and More Questions

By Dr. Nnamdi T. Ekeanyanwu

The American Higher Education system is a paradox of possibilities. It sounds simple but somehow complicated. I just came out of a session with Professor Kalyango discussing research, teaching and services in a typical US higher institution. Some of the issues raised were very revealing and others completely negated my existing knowledge.

For example, the issue of tenureship beats my imagination. Yes, it guarantees the Professor's job but may produce problems the University can no longer handle. I can imagine the situation in my home country of having a ternured Professor one cannot easily sack or sacking may be expensive because of legal issues. This, coming from America, causes me some disturbing headaches. However, I love the reward system! It only pays for productivity but cannot deal with unproductivity. One lazy tenured Professor may never get a pay rise but may also continue to take a salary he can no longer earn. This is shocking coming from my beloved America.

Worse still is the Mugabe/Ghadaffi Syndrome in higher institutions here in America. How can a Dean sit as long as he wishes? How can a Director serve as long as he desires? And in God's own country and the custodian of democratic culture in the free world! Are the Universities not supposed to reflect and mimic the larger society? Are such tendencies not against the greater America project built on democracy? When a child begins to ask so many questions at the same time, then there is a problem. I sure do have a problem with this arrangement.

I may have exaggerated the situation, but one clear factor that have endeared me to America is her democratic values and culture. Finding out today that the Universities are disconnected in such a way, also gives me a serious disconnect with what I think I already know of America.

SUSI 2011, I hope I am not getting further shocks!!!

Dr. Nnamdi T. Ekeanyanwu

Director, International Office and Linkages

Covenant University, Nigeria./
SUSI SCHOLAR 2011