Pathways to Developing Affordable Postsecondary Institutions in Developing Countries

World strife is causing great misery for many citizens in developing countries – particularly the disenfranchised. One theory about diminishing strife is to develop a larger middle class given that there is a correlation between this and national stability. In some countries, postsecondary education is viewed as a pathway to developing a larger middle class. With the process of globalization and the emergence of the knowledge economy, several advanced and emerging economies have shown renewed interest in building postsecondary education. Building a consumer-friendly post secondary system could serve as the logical pathway to developing a globally competitive and economically viable larger middle class. Therefore, this presentation provides a platform for a discussion around fostering postsecondary education opportunities for those unable to leave their home countries. The presenters offer examples from Nigeria and India to encourage a discussion based on the premise that a solution may lie in developing a public system of postsecondary institutions with greater economic strength. A discussion of the implications of the provision of cross-border education under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) is included.