Breaking the Cycle of Politicization in Africa’s Education System
The politicalization of education refers to the situation wherein educational institutions and curricula become entangled with political ideologies and agendas. This can manifest in various ways, such as biased appointment of education officials, biased education funding, the promotion of specific political viewpoints, or the exclusion of alternative perspectives. While education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ understanding of society and values, the politicization of education raises concerns about intellectual freedom, critical thinking, and the objectivity of knowledge. It can hinder the development of well-rounded citizens capable of independent thought and rational discourse. Striking a balance between providing comprehensive education and avoiding undue political influence is essential for fostering an inclusive and informed society. The politicization of education in Africa hinders the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims for inclusive and equitable quality education for all. By influencing appointments, curricula, and funding, political agendas disrupt impartial education policies, perpetuating social divisions, and impeding progress toward universal education access in many African countries.
In Africa, the politicization of education takes various forms, from influencing key appointments in the educational hierarchy to permeating staff-related policies in schools. Decisions about ministers of education, regional department heads, school principals, and teacher employment often bear the brunt of political biases, detrimentally affecting educational outcomes. Moreover, anecdotal evidence suggests that some education professionals actively amplify political influence by advocating for parents and students to align with “official” electoral choices. This intertwining of politics with education raises concerns about impartiality and its potential repercussions on the quality and integrity of the educational system in the region.
One prevalent way in which education has been politicized in Africa is by using it to promote a particular political or ideological agenda. In some countries, governments have been accused of using education to promote their own political ideology and marginalize the opposition. For instance, in Zimbabwe, the government has been accused of favoring its political ideology, resulting in an education system heavily biased toward the ruling party, lacking fairness and balance for all students.
Another method of politicization is using education as a means of gaining support or consolidating power. In some countries, political parties have used education funding as a tool to buy support from voters. In Kenya, for example, the ruling party has been accused of utilizing education funding not to improve the quality of education but to further its political interests. Consequently, education funding is misdirected, impacting the disadvantaged and depriving deserving students of access to quality education.
Corruption and mismanagement are also significant factors in the politicization of education in Africa. Many countries report widespread corruption in the education sector, with officials diverting funds meant for schools and students. In Nigeria, for instance, corruption reports in the education sector have led to underfunded and understaffed schools, leaving students without the education they need and deserve.
The politicalization of education has also resulted in the marginalization of certain groups in Africa. Some countries have used the education system to promote the interests of the dominant ethnic group and marginalize minority groups. In Ethiopia, the government has been accused of using education to favor the dominant ethnic group, creating a situation where minority groups struggle to access education and face disadvantages in their future opportunities.
The consequences of the politicalization of education in Africa are significant, distorting curricula to align with political ideologies, promoting a single party’s perspective, marginalizing certain groups, and excluding critical analysis or alternative viewpoints. The centralization of education systems, exemplified by institutions like the West African Examination Council, presents a significant obstacle for students seeking higher education, disproportionately impacting economically disadvantaged families and depriving deserving students of access to quality education.
Another consequence is the erosion of academic freedom and the stifling of dissenting voices. In politically polarized environments, educators and students expressing dissenting opinions or engaging in critical thinking may face censorship, harassment, or persecution. According to Amnesty International, in Togo, several teachers and students were arrested and detained for demanding better working conditions in 2022. These arrests raise concerns about the violation of human rights and the suppression of freedom of expression and assembly in the country.
In Burundi, the politicalization of education has contributed to the perpetuation of social divisions and conflict. The country’s history of ethnic tensions between the Hutu majority and Tutsi minority has been aggravated by the politicization of education. During periods of political instability, the government manipulated the education system to promote a particular ethnic or political agenda. The curriculum has been influenced by political interests, emphasizing one group’s history and perspectives while marginalizing or excluding others. This has led to the exclusion of certain ethnic groups from educational opportunities and created a sense of division and inequality, evident during periods of political unrest, such as the civil war in the 1990s and the post-election violence in 2015.
In Nigeria, the politicalization of education has played a role in perpetuating social divisions and conflict, exemplified by the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern part of the country. Boko Haram opposes Western education, considering it incompatible with their extremist interpretation of Islam. The political and religious influences on Nigeria’s education system have contributed to the marginalization and exclusion of certain groups, deepening societal divisions, and creating a sense of exclusion and alienation among marginalized communities.
The politicalization of education in Africa has serious consequences for the quality and accessibility of education on the continent. It leads to a situation where education is not used to promote the well-being and development of all students but rather to further the political interests of governments and political parties.
To address this problem, African governments must prioritize the education of all students, ensure education funding improves the quality of education, and provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or political affiliation. African governments should also take steps to address corruption and mismanagement in the education sector, holding education officials accountable for their actions. By taking these measures, African governments can help stop the politicalization of education and create a fair and inclusive education system for all students. In other ways the politicization of education in Africa requires several key measures. Governments need to prioritize impartiality and inclusivity in educational policies and curriculum development by promoting a diverse range of perspectives, histories, and cultures, ensuring education is not used as a tool for political manipulation. Efforts should be made to strengthen transparency and accountability in the education sector, combatting biased appointment of education officials that perpetuate politicization. Additionally, fostering academic freedom and protecting the rights of educators and students to express dissenting opinions is crucial. Finally, investing in quality education for all, regardless of background or political affiliation, is essential to promote equal opportunities and bridge social divisions.
Tijjani Mukaddas
CEO Transit school Initiative
Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, USA
