Massification to Marketization of Higher Education

Abstract

Massification of higher education is a contemporary phenomenon, and Bangladesh is an excellent example of massification in the sector. With increased alertness worldwide among nations, policy-makers and development bodies, massification of higher education is a requirement of time. Increasing number of youth also contribute to the phenomenon across the globe. Bangladesh, with a population of 160 million, has a good proportion of youth with the need of quality higher education. With the recent advent of Bangladesh as a lower middle income country and the increase in the per capita income of its population, the higher education sector of Bangladesh is attracting immense investments. Bangladesh Government foreseeing the eminent advancement in the country allowed the establishments of private universities in 1992 to cater to the growing higher education need of the country along with public universities. Private universities brought new dimension in the sector and underwent massive growth. All-out success of the first private university of Bangladesh attracted others to quickly enter the market and make use of the high-yield emerging market. However, most private universities have commodified their service. The focus is less on quality education, research and innovation, and philanthropic contribution to society. Business-minded people being at the forefront of the booming higher education industry, revenue and profit are first on their agenda rather than education, the main reason why they are in the sector. The article delves deep into the details of the conflicting dilemma of massification leading towards marketization (MtM) in the sector. It tries to explore the variances between industry potential, expected standard and anticipated service by the students, the ultimate recipients of higher education.