ABSTRACT
The accomplishments of Algerian planners in the field of hydrocarbon development are indisputable and impressive. The educational status of the Algerian population is low, colonial neglect of education, disruption during the transition of power and the emigration of the more educated are all contributing factors. Algerian formal education has only just begun to adjust to the developmental needs of the country. Algeria’s balance of payments since 1973 has been dominated by the revenues from oil and natural gas, a source of foreign exchange which has permitted Algeria to double her imports bill, primarily in respect of capital goods. The increasing proportion of labour market entrants with at least primary education will stimulate a concomitant increase in demand for modern-sector employment opportunities. In short, the dramatic increase in primary and higher education since 1962 has inevitably surrendered quality to a quantity.
