<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE article PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD JATS (Z39.96) Journal Publishing DTD v1.4 20241031//EN" "JATS-journalpublishing1-4.dtd">
<article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" article-type="research-article" dtd-version="1.4" xml:lang="en">
  <front>
    <journal-meta>
      <journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">cus</journal-id>
      <journal-title-group>
        <journal-title>Current Urban Studies</journal-title>
      </journal-title-group>
      <issn pub-type="epub">2328-4919</issn>
      <issn pub-type="ppub">2328-4900</issn>
      <publisher>
        <publisher-name>Scientific Research Publishing</publisher-name>
      </publisher>
    </journal-meta>
    <article-meta>
      <article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/cus.2025.134019</article-id>
      <article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">cus-148050</article-id>
      <article-categories>
        <subj-group>
          <subject>Article</subject>
        </subj-group>
        <subj-group>
          <subject>Social Sciences</subject>
          <subject>Humanities</subject>
        </subj-group>
      </article-categories>
      <title-group>
        <article-title>Perceptions of Students at the University of Burundi Regarding the Adequacy of Training to Meet the Needs of the Burundian Community</article-title>
      </title-group>
      <contrib-group>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Cimpaye</surname>
            <given-names>Barthélemy</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Ndayizeye</surname>
            <given-names>Judith</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Nizigama</surname>
            <given-names>Isaac</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3">3</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Solo</surname>
            <given-names>Bienvenu</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff4">4</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Ntwari</surname>
            <given-names>Innocent</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff5">5</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Nimbona</surname>
            <given-names>Renovate</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff5">5</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Ngendakumana</surname>
            <given-names>Simon</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff6">6</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Sindayigaya</surname>
            <given-names>Ildephonse</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
        </contrib>
      </contrib-group>
      <aff id="aff1"><label>1</label> Doctoral School, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi </aff>
      <aff id="aff2"><label>2</label> Institute of Applied Pedagogy, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi </aff>
      <aff id="aff3"><label>3</label> Faculty of Humanities and Philosophy, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada </aff>
      <aff id="aff4"><label>4</label> Faculty of Social, Administrative, and Political Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DRC </aff>
      <aff id="aff5"><label>5</label> Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi </aff>
      <aff id="aff6"><label>6</label> Faculty of Education Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada </aff>
      <author-notes>
        <fn fn-type="conflict" id="fn-conflict">
          <p>The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.</p>
        </fn>
      </author-notes>
      <pub-date pub-type="epub">
        <day>29</day>
        <month>10</month>
        <year>2025</year>
      </pub-date>
      <pub-date pub-type="collection">
        <month>10</month>
        <year>2025</year>
      </pub-date>
      <volume>13</volume>
      <issue>04</issue>
      <fpage>387</fpage>
      <lpage>402</lpage>
      <history>
        <date date-type="received">
          <day>15</day>
          <month>10</month>
          <year>2025</year>
        </date>
        <date date-type="accepted">
          <day>15</day>
          <month>12</month>
          <year>2025</year>
        </date>
        <date date-type="published">
          <day>18</day>
          <month>12</month>
          <year>2025</year>
        </date>
      </history>
      <permissions>
        <copyright-statement>© 2025 by the authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.</copyright-statement>
        <copyright-year>2025</copyright-year>
        <license license-type="open-access">
          <license-p> This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ( <ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</ext-link> ). </license-p>
        </license>
      </permissions>
      <self-uri content-type="doi" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4236/cus.2025.134019">https://doi.org/10.4236/cus.2025.134019</self-uri>
      <abstract>
        <p>Socio-economic performance is one of the main expectations of students in higher education. This study, conducted with 384 students selected using [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B9">9</xref>], aims to analyze students’ perceptions regarding the alignment between academic training and community needs in Burundi. The investigation focused on three main areas: the adequacy of training in relation to the needs of the community, the consideration of employer satisfaction surveys, and the University’s involvement in community service. Data was collected using a questionnaire administered via the KoboCollect platform, targeting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students at this university. The results of the study reveal that the University of Burundi still struggles to meet the expectations of its students in a satisfactory manner, particularly with regard to the organization and dissemination of employer satisfaction survey results, the alignment of training with labor market requirements, and the promotion of contributions and feedback from former students. Furthermore, although the institution’s involvement in community service is appreciated above average, it remains insufficient in the opinion of some respondents.</p>
      </abstract>
      <kwd-group kwd-group-type="author-generated" xml:lang="en">
        <kwd>Needs (of the Community)</kwd>
        <kwd>Satisfaction</kwd>
        <kwd>Priorities</kwd>
        <kwd>Teaching Program</kwd>
        <kwd>Development</kwd>
      </kwd-group>
    </article-meta>
  </front>
  <body>
    <sec id="sec1">
      <title>1. Introduction</title>
      <p>In a constantly changing world, higher education faces major challenges, both structurally and in its mission to meet the expectations of contemporary societies. Globally, one of the most recurrent criticisms concerns the mismatch between university education and real socio-economic needs, particularly in developing countries where constraints are more pronounced. As [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B27">27</xref>] point out, the goal of higher education should no longer be to train an elite group of “knowledgeable” individuals, but rather to equip students with the skills they need to adapt to an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.</p>
      <p>This problem is exacerbated by persistent shortcomings in the structure of training programs, the weakness of applied research, the precariousness of educational infrastructure, and the shortage of qualified teachers. The World Health Organization, cited by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B7">7</xref>] highlights the lack of skilled personnel as one of the major obstacles to sustainable development, and this tension is also evident in the field of education. Teachers, forced to deliver poorly adapted content, struggle to meet their students’ expectations in an institutional context that is often disconnected from economic and social realities ([<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B10">10</xref>]).</p>
      <p>In response to these challenges, large-scale initiatives have emerged. The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA), for example, represents a promising dynamic of South-South and South-North cooperation, aimed at strengthening research capacities in African universities and promoting doctoral programs contextualized to public health needs ([<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B7">7</xref>]). In sub-Saharan Africa, although some countries such as Ghana and Rwanda have undertaken ambitious reforms in university governance and curriculum professionalization, many shortcomings remain: lack of investment in research, overcrowding, and above all, a disconnect between universities and the professional world.</p>
      <p>Cooperation between universities and businesses is seen as a strategic lever. It promotes innovation, employability, and the co-construction of skills ([<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B20">20</xref>]; [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B24">24</xref>]; [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B35">35</xref>]). They point out that this synergy allows knowledge to flow in both directions and creates internship and mobility programs, as well as pathways to employment.</p>
      <p>In Burundi, higher education was institutionalized in the 1960s, in a post-independence context. It is currently undergoing a phase of reform marked by the enactment of Law No. 1/20 of October 29, 2024, replacing that of 2011. This reform aims to align the education system with the current requirements of national development. However, many obstacles remain: outdated infrastructure, a lack of teacher training, training programs that are disconnected from labor market needs, and weak research structures ([<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B8">8</xref>]; [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B22">22</xref>]; [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B25">25</xref>]).</p>
      <p>These limitations run counter to the ambitions of the 2018-2027 National Development Plan (PND) and the National Employment Policy (PNE), which call for high-quality, internationalized higher education. To achieve these objectives, the social responsibility of universities is a sine qua non. As [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B6">6</xref>] points out, higher education institutions must honor a genuine “social contract” based on training, scientific production, and service to society. In this regard, Martin [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B13">13</xref>] deplores the fact that universities’ community engagement is too often neglected, even though it is a fundamental pillar of their mission. The report by the University of the Nations-Haifa Center [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B37">37</xref>] identifies three concrete ways in which this commitment can be fulfilled: the integration of community activities into curricula, internal university projects, and collaborations with external actors.</p>
      <p>However, it is precisely the direct beneficiaries of the system—students and alumni—who are increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with the education they have received. According to [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B10">10</xref>], curricula are considered rigid, overly theoretical, and out of step with the personal and professional aspirations of young people, contributing to an educational and social crisis.</p>
      <p>It is in this general context that the present study aims to analyze the perceptions of students at the University of Burundi regarding the relevance of the education they receive in relation to the needs of the community and the labor market. Using a structured questionnaire, three key dimensions were explored: students’ perceptions of the adequacy of training in relation to community needs, the existence and communication to students of satisfaction survey results, and community service practices.</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec2">
      <title>2. Methods and Methodology</title>
      <sec id="sec2dot1">
        <title>2.1. Survey Population</title>
        <p>The secondary data collection instruments include a checklist of documents. The target population for this study consists of students enrolled at the University of Burundi at all levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate. According to data provided by the IT services of the University of Burundi, this population is estimated at 13,066 students. In order to obtain a representative sample, this population was stratified into three subgroups corresponding to the three aforementioned levels of study.</p>
        <p>The concept of survey population is well defined in methodological literature. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>], citing R. Mucchelli, describes the survey population as “the entire group of people concerned by the objectives of the survey,” which may be finite or infinite. It is from this universe that the sample will be drawn.</p>
        <p>Given the methodological and practical constraints, we agree with the position of [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B21">21</xref>], and [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B29">29</xref>] that it is unnecessary to survey the entire study population.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec2dot2">
        <title>2.2. Sampling Technique and Data Analysis Tools</title>
        <p>2.2.1. Sampling Technique</p>
        <p>[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B21">21</xref>] mentions that “sampling is a technique that allows a limited number of individuals, objects, or events to be selected as subjects that represent the target population.” As our population consists of students currently enrolled at the University of Burundi, a representative sample of all categories covered by our study is necessary.</p>
        <p>In order to determine a representative sample size for a population of 13,066 students divided into three strata (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate), we used [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B9">9</xref>], which is widely used for probabilistic surveys. This method allows us to calculate an optimal sample size by taking into account the confidence level, the margin of error, and the expected variability in the population ([<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B30">30</xref>]; [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B3">3</xref>]). Due to the finite size of the target population, a correction was applied to adjust the initial result, in accordance with recent methodological recommendations ([<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B36">36</xref>]).</p>
        <p>In a second step, proportional stratification was performed to ensure balanced representativeness across the three levels of education. This approach is consistent with the principles of stratified sampling, which allows for greater statistical precision when the population is heterogeneous ([<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B11">11</xref>]; [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B16">16</xref>]).</p>
        <p>The final sample size was thus distributed proportionally to the weight of each stratum in the overall population.</p>
        <p>The formula used to calculate our sample is as follows:</p>
        <disp-formula id="FD1">
          <mml:math display="inline">
            <mml:mrow>
              <mml:msub>
                <mml:mi>n</mml:mi>
                <mml:mn>0</mml:mn>
              </mml:msub>
              <mml:mo>=</mml:mo>
              <mml:mfrac>
                <mml:mrow>
                  <mml:msup>
                    <mml:mi>Z</mml:mi>
                    <mml:mn>2</mml:mn>
                  </mml:msup>
                  <mml:mo>⋅</mml:mo>
                  <mml:mi>p</mml:mi>
                  <mml:mo>⋅</mml:mo>
                  <mml:mrow>
                    <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                    <mml:mrow>
                      <mml:mn>1</mml:mn>
                      <mml:mo>−</mml:mo>
                      <mml:mi>p</mml:mi>
                    </mml:mrow>
                    <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                  </mml:mrow>
                </mml:mrow>
                <mml:mrow>
                  <mml:msup>
                    <mml:mi>e</mml:mi>
                    <mml:mn>2</mml:mn>
                  </mml:msup>
                </mml:mrow>
              </mml:mfrac>
              <mml:mo>=</mml:mo>
              <mml:mrow>
                <mml:mrow>
                  <mml:mrow>
                    <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                    <mml:mrow>
                      <mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                        <mml:mrow>
                          <mml:mn>1.96</mml:mn>
                        </mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                      </mml:mrow>
                      <mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                        <mml:mrow>
                          <mml:mn>1.96</mml:mn>
                        </mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                      </mml:mrow>
                      <mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                        <mml:mrow>
                          <mml:mn>0.5</mml:mn>
                        </mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                      </mml:mrow>
                      <mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                        <mml:mrow>
                          <mml:mn>1</mml:mn>
                          <mml:mo>−</mml:mo>
                          <mml:mn>0.5</mml:mn>
                        </mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                      </mml:mrow>
                    </mml:mrow>
                    <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                  </mml:mrow>
                </mml:mrow>
                <mml:mo>/</mml:mo>
                <mml:mrow>
                  <mml:mrow>
                    <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                    <mml:mrow>
                      <mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                        <mml:mrow>
                          <mml:mn>0.05</mml:mn>
                        </mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                      </mml:mrow>
                      <mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                        <mml:mrow>
                          <mml:mn>0.05</mml:mn>
                        </mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                      </mml:mrow>
                    </mml:mrow>
                    <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                  </mml:mrow>
                </mml:mrow>
              </mml:mrow>
            </mml:mrow>
          </mml:math>
        </disp-formula>
        <p><italic>n</italic><sub>0</sub> = sample size</p>
        <p><italic>Z</italic> = <italic>z</italic>-value for the confidence level (e.g., 1.96 for 95%)</p>
        <p><italic>p</italic> = estimated proportion of the population (often 0.5 if unknown)</p>
        <p><italic>e</italic> = tolerated margin of error (e.g., 0.05)</p>
        <p><italic>n</italic><sub>0</sub> = <italic>Z</italic><sup>2</sup>⋅<italic>p</italic>⋅(1 − <italic>p</italic>) = ((1.96)(1.96)(0.5)(1 − 0.5))/((0.05)(0.05)) = 385</p>
        <p>In practice, once the population exceeds 10,000 elements, many researchers consider that it can be treated as infinite, as the correction for a finite population becomes negligible. Using this formula, the valid sample size for a population of more than 10,000 elements is 385 individuals.</p>
        <p><italic>n</italic> = ((1.96)(1.96)(0.5)(1 – 0.5))/((0.05)(0.05)) = 385</p>
        <p>For our finite population (13,066), the sample is calculated using the following formula:</p>
        <disp-formula id="FD2">
          <mml:math display="inline">
            <mml:mrow>
              <mml:mi>n</mml:mi>
              <mml:mtext>corrigé</mml:mtext>
              <mml:mo>=</mml:mo>
              <mml:mfrac>
                <mml:mi>n</mml:mi>
                <mml:mrow>
                  <mml:mn>1</mml:mn>
                  <mml:mo>+</mml:mo>
                  <mml:mrow>
                    <mml:mo>(</mml:mo>
                    <mml:mrow>
                      <mml:mfrac>
                        <mml:mrow>
                          <mml:mi>n</mml:mi>
                          <mml:mo>−</mml:mo>
                          <mml:mn>1</mml:mn>
                        </mml:mrow>
                        <mml:mi>N</mml:mi>
                      </mml:mfrac>
                    </mml:mrow>
                    <mml:mo>)</mml:mo>
                  </mml:mrow>
                </mml:mrow>
              </mml:mfrac>
              <mml:mo>=</mml:mo>
              <mml:mn>374</mml:mn>
            </mml:mrow>
          </mml:math>
        </disp-formula>
        <p>So, for each stratum:</p>
        <p>This formula gave us the following samples for each stratum</p>
        <p>Bachelor’s degree: 11,765 <inline-formula><mml:math display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:msub><mml:mi> n </mml:mi><mml:mi> i </mml:mi></mml:msub><mml:mo> = </mml:mo><mml:mn> 374 </mml:mn><mml:mfrac><mml:mrow><mml:mn> 11765 </mml:mn></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:mn> 13066 </mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:mfrac><mml:mo> = </mml:mo><mml:mn> 336.74 </mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:math></inline-formula></p>
        <p>Master’s degree: 841 <inline-formula><mml:math display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:msub><mml:mi> n </mml:mi><mml:mi> i </mml:mi></mml:msub><mml:mo> = </mml:mo><mml:mn> 374 </mml:mn><mml:mfrac><mml:mrow><mml:mn> 841 </mml:mn></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:mn> 13206 </mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:mfrac><mml:mo> = </mml:mo><mml:mn> 24.10 </mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:math></inline-formula></p>
        <p>Doctorate: 480: <inline-formula><mml:math display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:msub><mml:mi> n </mml:mi><mml:mi> i </mml:mi></mml:msub><mml:mo> = </mml:mo><mml:mn> 374 </mml:mn><mml:mfrac><mml:mrow><mml:mn> 480 </mml:mn></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:mn> 13066 </mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:mfrac><mml:mo> = </mml:mo><mml:mn> 13.16 </mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:math></inline-formula></p>
        <p><bold>Table 1</bold><bold>.</bold> Sample size.</p>
        <table-wrap id="tbl1">
          <label>Table 1</label>
          <table>
            <tbody>
              <tr>
                <td>
                  <bold>Stratum</bold>
                </td>
                <td>
                  <bold>Total number</bold>
                </td>
                <td>
                  <bold>Proportion</bold>
                </td>
                <td>
                  <bold>Sample (</bold>
                  <italic>
                    <bold>nᵢ</bold>
                  </italic>
                  <bold>)</bold>
                </td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>High school diploma</td>
                <td>11,765</td>
                <td>90.04</td>
                <td>
                  <bold>336</bold>
                </td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Master’s</td>
                <td>841</td>
                <td>6.43</td>
                <td>
                  <bold>24</bold>
                </td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Doctorate</td>
                <td>
                  <bold>460</bold>
                </td>
                <td>3.52</td>
                <td>
                  <bold>13</bold>
                </td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>
                  <bold>Total</bold>
                </td>
                <td>
                  <bold>13,066</bold>
                </td>
                <td>100</td>
                <td>
                  <bold>374</bold>
                </td>
              </tr>
            </tbody>
          </table>
        </table-wrap>
        <p><bold>Ta</bold><bold>ble 1</bold> shows that respondents are in three categories, among which High School diploma holders make up 90.04% (i.e., 336 respondents), Masters’ degree holders 6.43% (i.e., 24 respondents), and Doctorate holders 3.52% (i.e., 13 respondents).</p>
        <p>2.2.2. Data Analysis Tools</p>
        <p>The tools used for data analysis and processing include STATA and advanced Excel, respectively, for analyzing associations between variables using the CHI2 test, where two variables were 1 compared each time. Data visualization was performed using graphs.</p>
        <fig id="fig1">
          <label>Figure 1</label>
          <graphic xlink:href="https://html.scirp.org/file/1150978-rId21.jpeg?20260109021038" />
        </fig>
        <p><bold>Figure 1</bold><bold>.</bold> Sample size.</p>
        <p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref> above is a simplified image of what was shown in the table, indicating the percentages of respondents’ representation in the survey.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec3">
      <title>3. Results</title>
      <sec id="sec3dot1">
        <title>3.1. Respondents’ Perceptions of the Adequacy of Training in Relation to Community Needs</title>
        <p>Looking at <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref>, the majority of students have a positive attitude towards variables related to community needs that are detailed.</p>
        <p><bold>1</bold><bold>)</bold><bold>Programs offered and r</bold><bold>esponse to local community concerns (POSCLO)</bold>: 25.74% strongly agree, 46.65% agree, 12.6% disagree, and 7.24% strongly disagree.</p>
        <fig id="fig2">
          <label>Figure 2</label>
          <graphic xlink:href="https://html.scirp.org/file/1150978-rId22.jpeg?20260109021039" />
        </fig>
        <p><bold>Figure 2</bold><bold>.</bold> Respondents’ results for variables relating to the suitability of training for community needs.</p>
        <p>For this variable, 7.77% are neutral. Despite these positive perceptions, which are above average, the results show that there are also students who are dissatisfied due to the lack of connection between the programs offered and the vital needs of the community, particularly in health, education, the environment, hygiene and sanitation, and culinary arts.</p>
        <p><bold>2</bold><bold>)</bold><bold>A</bold><bold>dequacy of higher education training for employment in Burundi (AFEB</bold><bold>):</bold> 20.11% strongly agree, 49.6% agree, 13.4% disagree, and 6.17% strongly disagree. For this variable, 10.72% are neutral. Despite these positive perceptions, which are above the average rate, the results show that there are also students who are dissatisfied due to the lack of alignment between training and employment in higher education in Burundi. </p>
        <p><bold>3</bold><bold>)</bold><bold>The training offered is in line with students’ needs (OFBE):</bold> 18.50% strongly agree, 46.38% agree, 15.82% disagree, and 8.04% strongly disagree. For this variable, 11.26% are neutral. Despite these positive perceptions, which are above average, the results show that there are also students who consider that the training offered does not meet the needs of students. </p>
        <p>Student perceptions are negative for the following variable:</p>
        <p><bold>4</bold><bold>)</bold><bold>Connection with the external market is strengthened (CMER):</bold> 10.46% strongly agree, 22.52% agree, 34.85% disagree, and 11.26% strongly disagree. For this variable, 20.91% are neutral. These results show that very few students affirm the existence of a connection with the external market.</p>
        <p>This situation means that efforts must be made to connect the University of Burundi to external markets in order to increase opportunities for its researchers and graduates.</p>
        <p>In addition, as the results of the bivariate analysis are as follows for AFEB (0.213), OFBE (0.220), POSCLO (0.314), and CMER (0.586) and are therefore statistically insignificant at the 5% threshold, we conclude that there is a strong relationship between the responses provided by UB Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral candidates in relation to this topic.</p>
        <p>Looking at <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig3">Figure 3</xref>, the variable related to community needs for which the majority of students show a positive attitude is as follows:</p>
        <p>5) Programs offered and workplace requirements (POEMT): For this variable, 19.03% strongly agree and 47.99% agree. Despite these positive perceptions, which are above average, 17.69% disagree and 6.43% strongly disagree. For this variable, 8.85% are neutral. Respondents’ perceptions are mostly negative for the following variables:</p>
        <fig id="fig3">
          <label>Figure 3</label>
          <graphic xlink:href="https://html.scirp.org/file/1150978-rId23.jpeg?20260109021039" />
        </fig>
        <p><bold>Figure 3</bold><bold>.</bold> Respondents’ results for variables relating to community needs.</p>
        <p>6) Retraining or on-the-job training for successful candidates (FORCE): Only 15.82% strongly agree, 32.98% agree, 27.08% disagree, and 7.51% strongly disagree. For this variable, 16.62% are neutral. These results show that students are divided on the organization of retraining/on-the-job training for graduates.</p>
        <p>7) Alumni reports available and used (RD ALUMNI): Only 14.32% strongly agree, 34.59% agree, 17.57% disagree, and 7.3% strongly disagree. For this variable, 26.22% are neutral. These results show that students are divided on the availability and use of alumni reports.</p>
        <p>In addition, as the results of the bivariate analysis are as follows for FORCE (0.426), POEMT (0.314), and RD ALUMNI (0.196) and not statistically significant at the 5% threshold, we conclude that there is a strong relationship between the responses provided by UB Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral candidates on this topic.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec3dot2">
        <title>3.2. Respondents’ Perceptions of the Existence and Communication of Satisfaction Survey Results</title>
        <fig id="fig4">
          <label>Figure 4</label>
          <graphic xlink:href="https://html.scirp.org/file/1150978-rId24.jpeg?20260109021039" />
        </fig>
        <p><bold>Figure 4</bold><bold>.</bold> Respondents’ results for the variable “Satisfaction surveys”.</p>
        <p>Looking at <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>, the variables related to satisfaction surveys for which the majority of students have a positive attitude are as follows:</p>
        <p>Employer satisfaction survey (ESE): For this variable, 16.4% strongly agree, 35.75% agree, 25.54% disagree, and 9.41% strongly disagree. For this variable, 12.9% are neutral. These results show that students are divided on the organization of regular employer satisfaction surveys.Reports from regular satisfaction surveys are communicated to students: For this variable, 16.4% strongly agree, 35.75% agree, 25.54% disagree, and 9.41% strongly disagree. For this variable, 12.9% are neutral.</p>
        <p>In addition, as the results of the bivariate analysis are as follows for ESE (0.442) and RESCE (0.442), which are not statistically significant at the 5% threshold, we conclude that there is a strong relationship between the responses provided by UB Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral candidates in relation to this topic.</p>
        <p>This situation means that efforts must be made to improve institutional communication. </p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec3dot3">
        <title>3.3. Respondents’ Perceptions of the Activities Initiated by the University to Fulfill its Mission of “Community Service”</title>
        <fig id="fig5">
          <label>Figure 5</label>
          <graphic xlink:href="https://html.scirp.org/file/1150978-rId25.jpeg?20260109021039" />
        </fig>
        <p><bold>Figure 5</bold><bold>.</bold> Activities initiated by the university to fulfill its mission of “community service”.</p>
        <p>Looking at <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>, the majority of students have a positive attitude towards variables related to community service.</p>
        <p>Community service in terms of economic investment (Service-IE)</p>
        <p>For this variable, students’ perceptions are positive: 19.89% strongly agree, 39.52% agree, 19.09% disagree, and 8.33% strongly disagree. For this variable, 13.17% are neutral. These results show that students are divided on the activities carried out as part of community service. This situation means that efforts must be made to improve projects related to the areas of training organized, while strengthening institutional communication that promotes the visibility of the institution.</p>
        <p>Community service in terms of capacity building (Service-RC)</p>
        <p>For this variable, students’ perceptions are positive: 14.82% strongly agree, 37.74% agree, 22.64% disagree, and 10.51% strongly disagree. For this variable, 14.29% are neutral. As with the previous variable, these results show that students are divided on the service provided to the community. This situation means that efforts must be made to improve projects related to the options organized while strengthening institutional communication that promotes the visibility of the institution.</p>
        <p>In addition, as the results of the bivariate analysis are not statistically significant at the 5% threshold for the variables SERVICE-IE (0.378) and SERVICE-RC (0.427), we conclude that there is a strong relationship between the responses provided by Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral candidates in relation to this topic.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec4">
      <title>4. Discussion of the Results</title>
      <p>This study focused on three themes, namely community needs, satisfaction surveys, and community service, which are at the heart of higher education training. The results revealed students’ perceptions of the adequacy of training and community needs, the existence and communication of satisfaction survey results, and community service.</p>
      <sec id="sec4dot1">
        <title>4.1. Respondents’ Perceptions of the Adequacy of Training in Relation to Community Needs</title>
        <p>Seven elements were analyzed under this theme, and in each case, the results of other researchers were taken into consideration in order to complement or build on their conclusions and contribute to the development of science.</p>
        <p>The first variable analyzed, “Programs offered and response to local community concerns (POSCLO),” reveals that 72.39% of students consider the programs relevant, compared to 19.84% who are dissatisfied, mainly in vital sectors such as health and education, with insignificant differences between groups at the 5% threshold (P = 0.314), indicating a certain consistency across levels, while revealing notable differences. These results are in line with [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B6">6</xref>] assertion that universities must move away from isolation and “become more involved in solving the problems facing society.”</p>
        <p>The same is true for the variable “Adequacy of higher education training for employment in Burundi (AFEB)”, where 20.11% strongly agree, 49.6% agree, 13.4% disagree, and 6.17% strongly disagree. For this variable, 10.72% are neutral, with insignificant differences between groups at the 5% threshold (p = 0.213).</p>
        <p>Regarding “The training offered meets the needs of students (OFBE),” 18.50% strongly agree, 46.38% agree, 15.82% disagree, and 8.04% strongly disagree. For this variable, 11.26% are neutral, with insignificant differences between groups at the 5% threshold (p = 0.220). Despite these positive perceptions, which are above, the results show that there are also students who consider that the training offer does not meet student needs.</p>
        <p>On the other hand, students’ perceptions are negative for the variable “Connection with the external market is strengthened (CMER)” as 10.46% strongly agree, 22.52% agree, 34.85% disagree, and 11.26% strongly disagree. For this variable, 20.91% are neutral, with insignificant differences between groups at the 5% threshold (p = 0.586). These results show that very few students affirm the existence of a connection with the external market.</p>
        <p>This situation means that efforts must be made to connect the University of Burundi to external markets in order to increase opportunities for its researchers and graduates. By aligning their programs with the vital needs of communities in these strategic areas, universities no longer merely train graduates: they become hubs of innovation and local development, contributing to the improvement of collective well-being and the professionalization of their students.</p>
        <p>All of the above findings coincide with those of authors such as [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B28">28</xref>] and [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>], for whom the match between training and needs remains partial. In their view, a more contextualized overhaul of curricula is still needed to strengthen community impact. These authors comment in particular on how the community engagement of universities in Uganda has had a positive impact on both academic results and the development of local communities.</p>
        <p>For the variable “Programs offered and suitability for labor market requirements (POEMT),” a majority (67.02%) of respondents consider the programs offered to be broadly aligned with the expectations of the professional world. However, a significant proportion remain skeptical (24.12%), indicating partial alignment with insignificant differences between groups at the 5% threshold (p = 0.314). This perception shows that, although alignment efforts are being made, they are not yet fully successful or perceived uniformly by beneficiaries.</p>
        <p>In a broader context, our results echo the analysis of [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B18">18</xref>], according to which, in Europe, professionalization in higher education has developed in response to the demands of employability in a rapidly changing world. In Africa, too, expectations of universities have increased, and institutions must adapt to specific socioeconomic environments. According to [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B28">28</xref>], when universities train professionals, they implicitly aim to develop skills, even if this term is not always explicitly stated in the curricula.</p>
        <p>The variable “Continuing education for graduates (FORCE)” appears to be an underdeveloped dimension for respondents. Favorable opinions account for 48.80%, with insignificant differences between groups at the 5% threshold (p = 0.426), depending on the level of education attained. This perception highlights the importance of structuring lifelong learning mechanisms to maintain the relevance of professional skills.</p>
        <p>In this perspective, university-business cooperation plays a fundamental role. This view is confirmed by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B2">2</xref>] and [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B39">39</xref>] (cited by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B38">38</xref>]), who show that this cooperation makes it possible to pool resources, diversify teaching approaches, and promote active learning. This dynamic is an appropriate response to the rapid evolution of economic needs and professional skills.</p>
        <p>Finally, the results for the question “Alumni reports available and used (RD ALUMNI)” show that the consultation and use of alumni reports remains little visible or valued: only 48.91% of respondents are in favor, while 24.87% are against, with a strong neutrality equivalent to 26.22%. This situation reflects a lack of institutional strategy around promoting graduates’ career paths in quality management. As the results of the bivariate analysis are p = 0.196, we conclude that the correlation is not significant at the 5% threshold. The results of our study are consistent with the conclusions of [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B6">6</xref>], who indicates that a responsible university is one that organizes ongoing feedback between trained actors, society, and the institution, with a view to joint improvement. This requires the systematic use of alumni career paths to regulate academic offerings.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec4dot2">
        <title>4.2. Respondents’ Perceptions of the Existence and Communication of Satisfaction Survey Results</title>
        <p>The results of the study highlight contrasting perceptions among students at the University of Burundi regarding the effectiveness of external evaluation mechanisms, particularly satisfaction surveys.</p>
        <p>4.2.1. Employer Satisfaction Surveys</p>
        <p>Responses are very mixed, with only 52.15% favorable opinions versus 34.95% disagreeing. These results illustrate the lack of clarity and systematization of this type of feedback. Students do not seem to be clearly informed about the efforts made by the University of Burundi to gather the opinions of the professional world on its graduates. Our results are consistent with those of researchers [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B10">10</xref>], who argue that a misalignment between formal programs and the real expectations of students and the world of work can generate shared institutional suffering and affect students, teachers, and economic actors alike.</p>
        <p>4.2.2. Communication of Satisfaction Survey Results (RESCE)</p>
        <p>The lack of consensus on the dissemination of satisfaction survey results (52.15% positive vs. 35.94% negative) reveals a failure in institutional transparency. The high rate of neutrality (19.91%) confirms that many students do not even know whether these results exist or how they are used. This situation implies a deficit in participatory university governance. In the same vein, [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B10">10</xref>] emphasize that rigorous interpretation of the results of these surveys is essential for guiding academic decisions. Similarly, [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B14">14</xref>] consider satisfaction surveys to be fundamental tools for continuous quality improvement.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec4dot3">
        <title>4.3. Respondents’ Perceptions of the Activities Initiated by the University to Fulfill Its Mission of “Service to the Community”</title>
        <p>The results of this study reveal contrasting perceptions among students at the University of Burundi regarding their institution’s contribution to community service, one of the pillars of a socially responsible university. Two dimensions were analyzed: community service in terms of economic investment (SERVICE-IE) and community service in terms of capacity building (SERVICE-RC).</p>
        <p>4.3.1. Perceptions of Community Service—Economic Component (SERVICE-IE)</p>
        <p>The results indicate an overall positive trend. Indeed, 22.52% of students strongly agree and 51.21% agree that their university plays a beneficial economic role for the community, for a total of 73.73% favorable opinions. Although encouraging, this figure is tempered by 18.50% unfavorable opinions, revealing that a significant proportion of students do not clearly perceive the economic impact of their education on society.</p>
        <p>This observation reflects a broader structural reality, as public universities in sub-Saharan Africa, including the University of Burundi, suffer from chronic underfunding that limits their ability to drive sustainable local development. This lack of resources hinders the emergence of university entrepreneurial projects and restricts the ability of institutions to produce a tangible economic impact in surrounding communities.</p>
        <p>4.3.2. Perceptions of Service to the Community—Capacity Building (SERVICE-RC)</p>
        <p>Perceptions are much more mixed when it comes to the role of the university in capacity building for the population. Only 59.41% of respondents agree with this statement, while 27.42% disagree. The neutrality rate (13.17%) also reflects significant doubt, indicating that many students do not see a clear link between their education and a real contribution to society in terms of skills transfer.</p>
        <p>This can be interpreted as reflecting a gap between the courses offered and the concrete expectations of the population in terms of services, support for local development, and technical expertise.</p>
        <p>These findings are consistent with recent work on the Social Responsibility of Universities (SRU), which calls for moving beyond the traditional academic framework to take an active role in the development of society. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B6">6</xref>] emphasizes that this requirement pushes universities to break out of their isolation and “participate more in solving the problems facing society.”</p>
        <p>However, the results show that this mission is only partially accomplished at the University of Burundi. This asymmetry reveals a structural difficulty in making the university a space where education, research, and community needs converge ([<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B23">23</xref>]; [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B22">22</xref>]; [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B25">25</xref>]; [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B33">33</xref>]).</p>
        <p>[<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B6">6</xref>] proposes a definition of a responsible university as an institution that takes into account all the impacts generated by its activities (teaching, research, valorization, and governance) in order to create shared value for the entire community. This approach highlights the need to design university education in line with local and global concerns ([<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B31">31</xref>]).</p>
        <p>Furthermore, the production and dissemination of knowledge must be part of a process of social transformation. According to Gibbons et al., cited by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B6">6</xref>], this production acquires greater social responsibility, reinforcing the university’s mission as an agent of change.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec5">
      <title>5. Conclusion</title>
      <p>The three dimensions analyzed thus reveal a certain gap between the university’s stated mission of social adaptation and the weakness of its evaluation and feedback mechanisms. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B12">12</xref>] point out that student satisfaction influences the institution’s recommendation. However, as [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B14">14</xref>] point out, survey tools remain underutilized. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B4">4</xref>] and [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B5">5</xref>] advocate for teaching methods rooted in social reality and focused on innovation. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B19">19</xref>] emphasizes the role of the university as a pillar of the knowledge economy and the co-construction of solutions. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B26">26</xref>] and [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B1">1</xref>] encourage the intelligent use of data to improve perceived quality. The low value placed on feedback from alumni and employers, noted in the analysis, reveals a governance model that is still self-centered. Professionalization remains hampered by the lack of structured dialogue with stakeholders. Finally, these results call for a rethinking of the university-society interaction strategy, focusing on reliable tools and participatory approaches.</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec6">
      <title>6. Limitations of Our Study</title>
      <p>Our study was limited to students currently enrolled in courses and concerned only one public university. Another study focusing on graduates of the University of Burundi and other universities is recommended to supplement our analysis, which remains limited in time and scope due to a lack of time and resources. </p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec7">
      <title>7. Recommendations</title>
      <p>The University of Burundi should develop training programs in line with the needs of the community it serves; strengthen the alignment of employment and training in higher education; strengthen the link between programs and concrete sectoral needs (health, education, environment, etc.); to strengthen the university’s connection with external markets; to align training provision with the real and evolving needs of students; to institutionalize the regular organization of employer satisfaction surveys; to ensure transparent communication of survey results to students; to align training provision with the requirements of the professional environment; to develop continuing education programs for alumni; promote the use of alumni reports to improve the training offer; organize regular employer satisfaction surveys; communicate the results of regular satisfaction surveys to students and organize retraining/on-the-job training for graduates.</p>
      <p>We recommend that the Government of Burundi allocate a sufficient budget to the University of Burundi.</p>
    </sec>
  </body>
  <back>
    <ref-list>
      <title>References</title>
      <ref id="B1">
        <label>1.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="web">Afrin, F., Rahaman, M. S., &amp; Hamilton, M. (2023). <italic>Mining Student Responses to Infer Stu</italic><italic>dent Satisfaction Predictors</italic>. https://arxiv.org/abs/2006.07860</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="web">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Afrin, F.</string-name>
              <string-name>Rahaman, M.</string-name>
              <string-name>Hamilton, M.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2023</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B2">
        <label>2.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="confproc">Aiwen, W. (2022). Research on University-Industry Cooperation of Vocational Colleges under the Background of Artificial Intelligence. In 2022 2 <italic>nd International Conference on Bi</italic><italic>g Data Engineering and Education</italic> ( <italic>BDEE</italic>) (pp. 228-232). IEEE.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="confproc">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Aiwen, W.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2022</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B3">
        <label>3.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Aregbeshola, R. A., Adegbite, O., &amp; Abioye, O. (2021). An Overview of Sample Size Determination in Quantitative Research. <italic>International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 5,</italic>39-46.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Aregbeshola, R.</string-name>
              <string-name>Adegbite, O.</string-name>
              <string-name>Abioye, O.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2021</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B4">
        <label>4.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="web">Bacha, Y. (2023). <italic>L’université entre scientificité et socialité</italic>. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374053717</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="web">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Bacha, Y.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2023</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B5">
        <label>5.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Benchakroun, B., &amp; Soulami, M. (2000). <italic>Reforming Higher Education in Morocco: Challenges and Prospects</italic>. University Publications.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Benchakroun, B.</string-name>
              <string-name>Soulami, M.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2000</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B6">
        <label>6.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="web">Bokoko, D. M. (2024). <italic>The Responsible University: Definition, Missions, Challenges for Countries in the Global South, and a Focus on Africa</italic>. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385641574</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="web">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Bokoko, D.</string-name>
              <string-name>Definition, M</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2024</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B7">
        <label>7.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="web">Chastonay, P., Zesiger, V., Moretti, R., Cremaschini, M., Bailey, R., &amp; Wheeler, E. (2016). An Experience of Distance Learning University Education Leading to a Degree in Public Health, Targeting Ten French-Speaking African Countries. <italic>La Recherche en Éducation, 16,</italic> 23-58. https://la-recherche-en-education.com/larecherche/article/download/7379/5183/20160</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="web">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Chastonay, P.</string-name>
              <string-name>Zesiger, V.</string-name>
              <string-name>Moretti, R.</string-name>
              <string-name>Cremaschini, M.</string-name>
              <string-name>Bailey, R.</string-name>
              <string-name>Wheeler, E.</string-name>
              <string-name>Health, T</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2016</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B8">
        <label>8.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Ciza, D., &amp; Sindayigaya, I. (2023). The Repression of the Solicitation of Children for Sexual Purposes Online (Grooming) in Burundian Positive Law. <italic>Applied Mathematical Scienc</italic><italic>es,</italic><italic>17,</italic> 461-467. https://doi.org/10.12988/ams.2023.917445 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.12988/ams.2023.917445</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.12988/ams.2023.917445">https://doi.org/10.12988/ams.2023.917445</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Ciza, D.</string-name>
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2023</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.12988/ams.2023.917445</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B9">
        <label>9.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="book">Cochran, W. G. (1977). <italic>Sampling Techniques</italic> (3rd ed.). Wiley.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="book">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Cochran, W.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>1977</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B10">
        <label>10.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="book">El Archi, Y., &amp; Benbba, B. (2022). The Fit between Training and Employment: A Critical Reading of the Cross-Cutting Expectations of Teachers and Students. In Y. Bacha (Ed.), <italic>The University between Scientificity and So</italic><italic>c</italic><italic>iality</italic> (16-17). Cairn. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374053717</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="book">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Archi, Y.</string-name>
              <string-name>Benbba, B.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2022</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B11">
        <label>11.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Etikan, I., &amp; Bala, K. (2017). Sampling and Sampling Methods. <italic>Biometrics &amp; Biostatistics International Journal, 5,</italic>Article 149.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Etikan, I.</string-name>
              <string-name>Bala, K.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2017</year>
            <elocation-id>149</elocation-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B12">
        <label>12.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Girard, T., Pinar, M., Wilder, C., &amp; Luth, M. (2024). Student Satisfaction with Learning Experience and Its Impact on Likelihood Recommending University: A Net Promoter Score Approach. <italic>Journal of Hi</italic><italic>gher Education Theory and Practice, 24,</italic> 49-67.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Girard, T.</string-name>
              <string-name>Pinar, M.</string-name>
              <string-name>Wilder, C.</string-name>
              <string-name>Luth, M.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2024</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B13">
        <label>13.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Kaam, R., Tchamba, M., Nfornkah, B. N., &amp; Djomo, C. C. (2024). Remote Sensing, Allometry, and Carbon Stocks of Phyllostachys Aurea in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. <italic>Advances in Bamboo Science, 6,</italic> Article 100055. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bamboo.2023.100055 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.1016/j.bamboo.2023.100055</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bamboo.2023.100055">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bamboo.2023.100055</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Kaam, R.</string-name>
              <string-name>Tchamba, M.</string-name>
              <string-name>Nfornkah, B.</string-name>
              <string-name>Djomo, C.</string-name>
              <string-name>Sensing, A</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2024</year>
            <elocation-id>100055</elocation-id>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.1016/j.bamboo.2023.100055</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B14">
        <label>14.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Kandiko Howson, C., &amp; Matos, F. (2021). Student Satisfaction and Academic Quality in Higher Education: New Perspectives and Challenges. <italic>Quality in Higher Education, 27,</italic> 233-251.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Howson, C.</string-name>
              <string-name>Matos, F.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2021</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B15">
        <label>15.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="thesis">Kapalali, T. M. (2018). <italic>Factors Promoting the Socio-Professional Adaptation of New Employees at the Congolese Control Office in Bukavu</italic>. Bachelor’s Thesis, Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, Bukavu.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="thesis">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Kapalali, T.</string-name>
              <string-name>Thesis, U</string-name>
              <string-name>Lacs, B</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2018</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B16">
        <label>16.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Khalil, A. H., Odetokun, I. A., &amp; Hassan, A. (2023). Statistical Methods for Sampling and Data Analysis in Public Health. <italic>Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, 9,</italic> 12-24.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Khalil, A.</string-name>
              <string-name>Odetokun, I.</string-name>
              <string-name>Hassan, A.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2023</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B17">
        <label>17.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Lemistre, P., &amp; Ménard, B. (2018a). Professionalization in Higher Education: A Challenge for Europe? <italic>Revue française de pédagogie, 202,</italic> 29-44.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Lemistre, P.</string-name>
            </person-group>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B18">
        <label>18.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Lemistre, P., &amp; Ménard, B. (2018b). The Professional Integration of Higher Education Graduates: between Massification and Diversification. <italic>Revue française de pédagogie, 202,</italic> 5-16.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Lemistre, P.</string-name>
            </person-group>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B19">
        <label>19.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Milot, P. (2003). Towards a Redefinition of the Role of Higher Education in the Knowledge-Based Economy. <italic>Actes de la recherche en sciences sociales, 148,</italic>68-75.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Milot, P.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2003</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B20">
        <label>20.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Mperejimana, A., &amp; Sindayigaya, I. (2023). Continuity or Rupture: An Analysis of the Fourth Cycle Literature Teaching Program in the Post-Fundamental Schools, Language Section. <italic>Open Access Library Journal, 10,</italic> 1-9. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1110752 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/oalib.1110752</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1110752">https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1110752</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Mperejimana, A.</string-name>
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
              <string-name>Schools, L</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2023</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/oalib.1110752</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B21">
        <label>21.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Ndabarushimana, A. (2018). Analysis of the Burundian State’s Capacity to Meet the Basic Needs of the Population: The Case of Water and Health. <italic>European Scientific Journal, 14,</italic>Article 80.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Ndabarushimana, A.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2018</year>
            <elocation-id>80</elocation-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B22">
        <label>22.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Ndayisenga, J., &amp; Sindayigaya, I. (2024). The Implementation of the Child’s Right to Participation in the Context of a Student-Centered Education System in the Pedagogy of Integration and Decision Making. <italic>Open</italic><italic>Journal</italic><italic>of</italic><italic>Social</italic><italic>Sciences,</italic><italic>12,</italic> 317-327. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.121021 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/jss.2024.121021</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.121021">https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.121021</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Ndayisenga, J.</string-name>
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2024</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/jss.2024.121021</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B23">
        <label>23.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Ndayisenga, J., Shabani, J., Dramé, M., Muhindo Binzaka, R., Ndayisaba, J., Wanguwabo Byamungu, D., &amp; Sindayigaya, I. (2025). Contribution of the Right to Student Participation in the Classroom to Promoting Leadership. <italic>Asian Journal of Social Science Studies, 10,</italic> 63‑69.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Ndayisenga, J.</string-name>
              <string-name>Shabani, J.</string-name>
              <string-name>Binzaka, R.</string-name>
              <string-name>Ndayisaba, J.</string-name>
              <string-name>Byamungu, D.</string-name>
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2025</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B24">
        <label>24.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Ndericimpaye, V., &amp; Sindayigaya, I. (2023). Applicability of International Refugee Law to Quality Education for Congolese Children in Burundi: A Human Rights and Refugee Perspective. <italic>Applied Mathematical Sciences, 17,</italic>245-254.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Ndericimpaye, V.</string-name>
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2023</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B25">
        <label>25.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="book">Nduwimana, S., &amp; Sindayigaya, I. (2023). Establishing Quality in Technical and Vocational Education in Burundi: Contribution of the National Education Forum, Edition 2022 and in Employability in Burundi. <italic>Open</italic><italic>Journal</italic><italic>of</italic><italic>Social</italic><italic>Sciences,</italic><italic>11,</italic> 142-153. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2023.119010 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/jss.2023.119010</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2023.119010">https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2023.119010</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="book">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Nduwimana, S.</string-name>
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
              <string-name>Forum, E</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2023</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/jss.2023.119010</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B26">
        <label>26.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Nguyen, T. H., &amp; Le, T. P. (2024). The Influence of Service Quality on Student Satisfaction and Student Loyalty in Vietnam: The Moderating Role of the University Image. <italic>Journal</italic><italic>of</italic><italic>Trade</italic><italic>Science,</italic><italic>12,</italic> 37-59. https://doi.org/10.1108/jts-12-2023-0032 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.1108/jts-12-2023-0032</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1108/jts-12-2023-0032">https://doi.org/10.1108/jts-12-2023-0032</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Nguyen, T.</string-name>
              <string-name>Le, T.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2024</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.1108/jts-12-2023-0032</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B27">
        <label>27.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Paquelin, D., &amp; Crosse, M. (2021). Accountability, Openness, and Trust: Paths for the Future of Higher Education. <italic>Issues and Society, 8,</italic> 190-215.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Paquelin, D.</string-name>
              <string-name>Crosse, M.</string-name>
              <string-name>Accountability, O</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2021</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B28">
        <label>28.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Perrenoud, P. (2005). Développer des compétences, mission centrale ou marginale de l’université. <italic>XXIIème Congrès de l’Association International de</italic><italic>Pédagogie</italic><italic>Universitaire:</italic><italic>L’enseignement</italic><italic>supérieur du</italic><italic>XXIe</italic><italic>siècle: De nouveaux</italic><italic>défi</italic><italic>s à</italic><italic>relever</italic><italic>: du 12 au 14 septembre 2005 Université de Genève: Uni Mail</italic>, Université de Genève (Suisse).</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Perrenoud, P.</string-name>
              <string-name>Mail, U</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2005</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B29">
        <label>29.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="web">Scribbr France (2023). Sampling: Everything You Need to Know for Your Research. <italic>Scribbr</italic>. https://www.scribbr.fr/methodologie/echantillonnage/</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="web">
            <year>2023</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B30">
        <label>30.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Setia, M. S. (2016). Methodology Series Module 3: Cross-Sectional Studies. <italic>Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61,</italic> 261-264. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182410 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4103/0019-5154.182410</pub-id><pub-id pub-id-type="pmid">27293245</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182410">https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182410</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Setia, M.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2016</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4103/0019-5154.182410</pub-id>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="pmid">27293245</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B31">
        <label>31.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Sindayigaya, I. (2022). Analysis of the Child’s Right to Housing Implementation for Street Children in Burundi: Case of Kirundo City. <italic>Applied</italic><italic>Mathematical</italic><italic>Sciences,</italic><italic>16,</italic> 465-472. https://doi.org/10.12988/ams.2022.916819 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.12988/ams.2022.916819</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.12988/ams.2022.916819">https://doi.org/10.12988/ams.2022.916819</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2022</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.12988/ams.2022.916819</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B32">
        <label>32.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Sindayigaya, I. (2023). The Overview of Burundi in the Image of the African Charter on Rights and Welfare of the Child. <italic>Beijing</italic><italic>Law</italic><italic>Review,</italic><italic>14,</italic> 812-827. https://doi.org/10.4236/blr.2023.142044 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/blr.2023.142044</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4236/blr.2023.142044">https://doi.org/10.4236/blr.2023.142044</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2023</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/blr.2023.142044</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B33">
        <label>33.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Sindayigaya, I. (2024a). The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, an Instrument Based on African Socio-Cultural Realities: Truth or Utopia? <italic>Open Journal of Social Sciences, 12,</italic> 510-532. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.122030 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/jss.2024.122030</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.122030">https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.122030</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2024</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/jss.2024.122030</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B34">
        <label>34.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Sindayigaya, I. (2024b). The Similarity of the Roles of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights of the Child and the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: Parallel, Simultaneous and Non-Exclusive Application. <italic>Open</italic><italic>Journal</italic><italic>of</italic><italic>Social</italic><italic>Sciences,</italic><italic>12,</italic> 338-359. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.126018 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/jss.2024.126018</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.126018">https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.126018</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
              <string-name>Parallel, S</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2024</year>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/jss.2024.126018</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B35">
        <label>35.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Sindayigaya, I. (2025). <italic>Le Burundi, à l’épreuve de la mise en application de la Charte africaine des droits et du bien-être de l’enfant: Regard sur ses articles 4 al.2, 6, 7 et 20 al.2 lit.a</italic>. Thèse de doctorat, Ecole doctorale de l’Université du Burundi.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Sindayigaya, I.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2025</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B36">
        <label>36.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Taherdoost, H. (2022). Sampling Methods in Research Methodology; How to Choose a Sampling Technique for Research. <italic>International Journal of Academic Research in Management, 11,</italic> 23-34.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Taherdoost, H.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2022</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B37">
        <label>37.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="web">United Nations University-Haifa Center (UN-CHK) (2024). <italic>Community Service. (Link to be Specified</italic><italic>)</italic>. https://www.unchk.sn/service-a-la-communaute/</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="web">
            <year>2024</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B38">
        <label>38.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="journal">Youssouf, A., Ibrahim, M., Ahmed, H., &amp; Hanifa, K. (2022). Role of Universities in Post-Industrial Societies: Human Capital, Research, and Partnerships. <italic>International Journal of Higher Education, 12,</italic>55-71.</mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="journal">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Youssouf, A.</string-name>
              <string-name>Ibrahim, M.</string-name>
              <string-name>Ahmed, H.</string-name>
              <string-name>Hanifa, K.</string-name>
              <string-name>Capital, R</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2022</year>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
      <ref id="B39">
        <label>39.</label>
        <citation-alternatives>
          <mixed-citation publication-type="other">Zhou, H., Zhu, X., Dai, J., &amp; Wu, W. (2023). Innovation Evolution of Industry-University-Research Cooperation under Low-Carbon Development Background: In Case of 2 Carbon Neutrality Technologies. <italic>Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 55,</italic> Article 102976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2022.102976 <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.1016/j.seta.2022.102976</pub-id><ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2022.102976">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2022.102976</ext-link></mixed-citation>
          <element-citation publication-type="other">
            <person-group person-group-type="author">
              <string-name>Zhou, H.</string-name>
              <string-name>Zhu, X.</string-name>
              <string-name>Dai, J.</string-name>
              <string-name>Wu, W.</string-name>
            </person-group>
            <year>2023</year>
            <elocation-id>102976</elocation-id>
            <pub-id pub-id-type="doi">10.1016/j.seta.2022.102976</pub-id>
          </element-citation>
        </citation-alternatives>
      </ref>
    </ref-list>
  </back>
</article>