The global and national effort to bring various segments of the society into the EFA process, taken together, is a recognition of the need for a broad partnership to achieve education for all goals. However, the specific role of universities in EFA is not evident in the in global equation, although universities are among the most important structures for research and training of educational personnel. Some universities offer post graduate and undergraduate degrees in early childhood, primary, literacy and adult education.

They are also involved in short term training for educational professionals. This is particularly true for developed countries. Nonetheless developing countries are also making an effort to involve universities in EFA.

Recently Uganda established the Kyambogo university that offers a Bachelor of Education Degree in Primary Education. Some countries have taken the policy decision requiring all lecturers in primary teacher training institutions to have at least a first degree. Now the universities and other institutions of higher learning are being called upon to use their comparative advantage to be more visible with the EFA agenda.