Patterns of Change and Continuity in Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Patterns of Change and Continuity in Education in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author:	Amin, Julius A.
Year:	1996
Periodical:	Transafrican Journal of History (ISSN 0251-0391)
Volume:	25
Pages:	161-182
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Subsaharan Africa Africa
Subjects:	education educational reform Education and Oral Traditions History and Exploration history imperialism
Abstract:	While significant developments have taken place in sub-Saharan Africa since the colonial era, there has been more continuity than change in the region's educational system. The bedrock structure of the colonial education system inherited by African nations at independence is still largely unrevised. This system was established in part to destroy African culture. Designed to turn Africans into servants of the colonizer regime, it encouraged elitism. The curriculum was Western-oriented and rote learning the only study method. At independence, there was a shortage of qualified teaching staff, buildings, equipment, and textbooks. Although great importance was attached to educational development, Africa's postindependence educational planners failed to come up with a curriculum designed to decolonize the African mind, and in the rush to establish schools, most nations neglected to emphasize the quality and relevance of the educational programme to African society. Despite the financial burdens, sub-Saharan Africa must now move decisively to radically reform the educational system. Notes, ref., sum.