In most African countries, investing in the sector remains a challenge. Thus, Africa must improve every level of education to ensure it retains students and increases the progression rate to expand the pool of learners at each successive stage.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), more than 20% of children between six and 11 years, and over 33% of young people between 12 and 14, are not in school in sub-Saharan Africa. This figure is not only worrying but leaves much to be desired, as the youth constitute the bulk of the continent’s total population.
Going by this fact, their contribution in the overall development cannot be overemphasised.
In our Wednesday edition, the Speaker of the National Assembly has urged his fellow colleagues to utilise the powers of their legislative bodies to secure the necessary resources and policy initiatives to empower African children through education.
Fabakary T. Jatta made these remarks at the 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments, currently underway at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa.
As he rightly put it, education stands as a cornerstone for societal development and peace promotion. In our effort to educate Africa to be fit for the 21st century, countries must acknowledge that its people encounter a multitude of challenges that impede their educational journey, obstructing social and economic advancement.
To this end, we commend the Honourable Speaker for his foresight and a powerful statement.
Though factors that led to this disparity differ from one country to another; however, one that seems to be a general hindrance is the unequal access to education, with women most affected. In some local conservative settings, education is an area purposely meant for male, while women do the domestic chores in preparation ahead of their marital engagements.
It is important to state here that countries that have made significant gains in terms of development have invested heavily in their education sector.
Let’s also remember that education is a fundamental human right and a crucial tool for sustainable human capacity development, which can advance the economic growth of a country.
It is important to state here that the country’s education sector in the last few years leaves much to be desired. This is even seen in the performance of students in both the GABEC and WASSC examinations. Whatever the case, there must be a way out.
It is high time that government and development partners start investing in education, as investing in education is investing in the future. We hope the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education and Higher Education, Research Science and Technology would take note of this and work with partners to improve the quality of education in the country.