Developing countries and regions at the periphery of development are always confronted with two significant realities based on values, namely redress, equity and socioeconomic development on the one hand, and quality and competitiveness on the other. These two points of departure are opposed to each other, but are also equally important for the economic, social and cultural development of the country and its regions. Therefore, striking a balance between the two presents various challenges which solicit a number of closely integrated approaches, some of which may be phased in so as to offset possible major disruption in the reconfiguration of the higher education system.