Introduction
The modern western universities and those following their operation system have evolved over time and so were their raison d’être (mission or purpose of their existence). University raison d’être are dynamic and flexible; they translate education policies, philosophical ideals, and culture of a particular epoch. Since modern western universities started in the 11th century in the medieval period; the major raison d’être of universities kept on changing as they rendered service to different entities such as the church, governments, individuals and the public.
Medieval Period
During the medieval period (5th-15th centuries) the church was such an important single institution; all activities evolved around it and so early universities had to serve for the needs and mission of the church. Thus, you can see the academics and scholar’s thoughts were and /or had to align with the church and its interests (Britanica, n.d; Scott, 2006).
Nationalism Era as one of the raison d’être of Universities
When the world moved to nationalism that is the shift of interest moved to governments that is to nation-states and that leaders became state conscious, universities directed their interests to that side too. Universities became funded by states and thus they had to render their services to governments (Scott.2006)
On the down of liberalism, around 17th and 18th centuries, that is when liberalism took hold of leadership and emphasis put to an individual’s freedom, equality, human rights and development – university became of service to individuals and the state.
