Unlocking Minds: The Transformative Journey of African Education

The early days 

The early education system in Africa was largely informal, with children being taught basic skills such as farming, hunting, and gathering. In the early days of Africa, education was primarily centred around traditional forms of learning such as storytelling, apprenticeships, and practical skills training.  

Formal education as we know it today was introduced by colonial powers in the late 19th century. Education in this era was largely selective with access to education being restricted to a few, mainly the ruling class and the wealthy elites, and the curriculum was heavily influenced by European culture and values.  

The Advent of Independence 

A wave of change blew, and the course of education took a different turn. Several decades later African countries began to gain independence and take control of their education systems, leading to a more diverse and inclusive approach to learning that better reflects the unique histories and cultures of the continent.  

Some African countries began to develop their education systems, emphasising the provision of education to all citizens. In recent years, there has been a new focus on African education.  This shift in focus is aimed at breaking away from the colonial legacy that saw education as a tool for producing a workforce for the colonial administration. Instead, the new focus is on providing an education that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which are crucial for economic growth and development.  

This approach to education is geared towards equipping young Africans with the skills they need to create their opportunities and contribute to the development of their communities and the African continent in general. By empowering Africans through education, there is an implicitly renewed hope for a brighter and more prosperous future for the continent. 

The Age of Tech 

The introduction of technology has also revolutionised education in Africa. With the advent of mobile devices and the internet, access to information and learning resources has become easier and more affordable. E-learning platforms have been developed, allowing students to access educational content online. This has made education more flexible and convenient, especially for those who live in remote areas. 

Not Out of The Woods Yet 

Despite the progress made in education in Africa, there are still numerous challenges. The quality of education in many African countries is still comparatively low, with high rates of illiteracy and school dropout rates. The lack of sufficient qualified teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to educational resources especially for those of low socio-economic status are some of the factors that contribute to these challenges.  

In a bid to offer a lasting solution to these issues, some governments and non-governmental organizations have implemented policies and programs aimed at increasing access to education, such as community schools, scholarships, and school infrastructure in both urban and rural areas in various communities and countries.  

Parting Shot 

The evolution of education in Africa has been remarkable.  Africa is making significant progress in providing education to its citizens and continues to invest in education, particularly in infrastructure, teacher training, and technology integration. Despite this being an iterative process that requires much collective input, there is hope that African education shall become globally responsive and resilient while remaining contextually sensitive and culturally relevant. 

Written by Wanjiku Ngigi  

Wanjiku Ngigi is a multi-potentialite who is interested in positively influencing Africa through championing better health care and health service delivery.

After Medical School, she went into clinical practice and was touched by the wide gaps in the quality of healthcare in her country. This drove her to undertake the MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing offered at LSE/LSHTM.

Apart from this, she is an author (30 Days of Transparent Faith), blogger (www.dotsofgrace.com) and a contemporary lifestyle content creator.