The University of Kuwait : an historical-comparative study of purposes in a new university in a developing nation

The University of Kuwait is a new university founded in the latter part of the twentieth century in an oil-rich, developing nation. This inquiry deals with the purposes of such a university and the extent to which it is able to fulfill them.The role of the University has been determined by the evolution of the purposes of universities in the West and the Arab Muslim Middle East, by the development of Kuwait, and by the growth of modern formal education there. The University's establishment and its development during the first eleven years are documented and analysed in the light of these influences.The University initially served a primarily utilitarian role in Kuwait. The question is raised as to whether, given the peculiarities of Kuwait's economy, this role will be sufficient to ensure its future. The conclusion reached is that, as the University develops a broader role in Kuwait, it will find long-term support