The Will ...but…the Way: Students’ Reflections on the Pursuit of Higher Education in Peace and Security Studies amidst Resource Challenges in Universities

Abstract

Discourse on resource challenges in universities continue to characterize quality teaching and learning (QTL) in higher education (HE) in Africa. Instructional resources, especially the teaching and learning facilities remain the primary inputs into HE systems, particularly those keen on producing quality outputs (graduands). But the true value of these resources and their impact on QTL may not be easy to determine unless the systems incorporate concrete feedback from the customers of HE-the students. Using the Critical Social Theory and the Systems Approach to Education, this study sought to establish students’ perceptions of the quality of teaching and learning facilities in peace and security academic programmes offered in Kenyan Universities. The study found that whereas Kenyan universities continue to demonstrate the will to produce quality peace and security intellectuals to respond to the increased demand for highly trained security personnel in the country, their capacity to offer these courses in light of the available facilities remains low. There is therefore need for universities to invest more in teaching and learning facilities in order to fully meet their QTL obligations.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p2823