Access to Education in Africa: A Global Challenge
The Crisis in Numbers
- 263 million children and youth are out of school across Africa, according to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (July 2016).
- In 2016, Africa’s population stood at 1.216 billion, highlighting the scale of the education gap.
- Nigeria has the largest number of out-of-school children in the world. As of July 2017, 10.5 million Nigerian children were not enrolled in school, according to Adamu Hussaini, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.
The Global Picture
- One in five children, adolescents, and youth worldwide is out of school.
- According to Children International, education is “one of the most powerful ways to reduce poverty and improve health, gender equality, peace, and stability.”
- Access to education is a fundamental human right, guaranteed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Why Education Matters
A Catalyst for Change
- Education transforms lives and empowers communities.
- In school, children learn critical thinking, problem-solving, and goal setting—skills that help improve family livelihoods, from farming to small businesses.
- They also gain knowledge on sanitation and disease prevention, contributing to healthier communities.
Education Saves Lives
- Education significantly reduces maternal and infant mortality during and after pregnancy.
- Educated mothers are more likely to send their own children to school, creating a cycle of opportunity.
Barriers to Education
Girls Face the Greatest Challenges
- Girls are especially vulnerable to being excluded from education.
- Many drop out at puberty due to a lack of clean and private toilets in schools.
- In some cultures, girls are forced into early marriages, ending their education prematurely.
- Daily responsibilities such as walking long distances to collect water can prevent girls from attending school.
What Can Be Done
- Build classrooms in underserved communities to ensure every child has access to a school.
- Improve sanitation facilities in schools to keep girls in education.
- Promote community awareness to fight early marriage and gender discrimination.
Education is not just a basic right—it is a building block for better health, stronger economies, and more peaceful societies. Every child deserves a chance to learn.