Abstract

Today, much emphasis is put on the quality of the educational system as it is said that the future depends on the new generation. Though efforts are being made to provide for the holistic development of the student, there is still a lack of initiatives to cater it, as argued in the literature. In fact, the literature even points to the fact that the focus is presently on academic performance rather than Self Actualisation of the student. Needs at each level of Maslow’s hierarchy motivates the individual to move to the higher level, and this progression should continue until the transcendence state is reached. Our education system can be considered as a ladder and should help to continue through the different layers. A study was, therefore, done to evaluate the present level of needs of tertiary students relative to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and to see how much the needs of students are being catered for. A quantitative study was carried out and a questionnaire assessing the various levels of Maslow Hierarchy was administered to a random sample of students from the various faculties at the University of Mauritius. This paper presents the findings of the study that has been carried out. Recommendations on how to cater to the strongest need among students, that is, the need for Self-Actualisation, are given.