Rising School Closures in West and Central Africa
A report from the United Nations has highlighted a growing crisis in education across West and Central Africa, with nearly 15,000 schools closed as of mid-2025. The situation is most acute in Nigeria and Cameroon, where ongoing conflicts and insecurity have forced millions to flee their homes. According to the UN, more than 3 million children have been affected by this disruption in education, though experts suggest the actual number may be much higher.
Busola Rafiat Ojo-oba, a social worker and gender-based violence specialist in Lagos, estimates that over 5 million school children are out of school, with nearly 500 schools closed in Nigeria alone. She emphasizes that in a country where poverty is deeply entrenched, the cycle of deprivation is difficult to break. With teachers and administrators unable to continue their work, the rate of unemployment and lack of education is increasing rapidly.
Displacement and Long-Term Consequences
The UN report indicates that between June 2024 and June 2025, the number of closed schools rose from 14,364 to 14,829, disrupting the education of more than 3 million children. Many of these children have been out of school for years, with no clear path to returning.
Efe Johnson, a youth leader and rights advocate in Abuja, notes that while the overall rate of school closures may have declined recently, the long-term impact remains significant. In the Northeast, many schools shut down during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, and some have never reopened. As a result, many children who were pushed out of the system have grown up without access to formal education.
Experts warn that the consequences go beyond just missing out on schooling. For boys, there is a risk of being recruited as child fighters, while girls face the threat of teenage pregnancies that prevent them from returning to school. These challenges highlight the broader implications of the education crisis in the region.
Fear and Safety Concerns
In areas like Anka, Bukuyyum, Maru, Shinkafi, Tsafe, and Zurmi in Zamfara State, many schools remain closed. Some, like the Government Day Secondary School, are still operational, but students attend classes under conditions of fear. Umar Rabat, a teacher at the school, explains that the constant threat of kidnapping and banditry has led many families to keep their children home.
“Parents can’t risk receiving that call to say their children are being kidnapped or held hostage,” says Ojo-oba. She adds that in the midst of insecurity, families’ priorities shift toward basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety, leaving education as a secondary concern.
Government Efforts and Limitations
Authorities in areas with inadequate security have taken steps to improve safety, including providing motorcycles and vehicles to security personnel and community guards for day and night patrols. Some government interventions also involve relocating students from conflict-prone areas to safer locations.
For internally displaced populations (IDPs), the Nigerian government has established mini camps to allow children to continue their education. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
“They are mostly short-lived because if funding runs out or the program stalls, what’s next?” asks Efe Johnson. He suggests that more sustainable solutions are needed to ensure that children can return to school and rebuild their futures.
Lessons from the Pandemic Era
In neighboring Ghana, at least 44 schools have been closed, displacing nearly 5,000 pupils due to conflicts in the Savannah Region. Kofi Asare, executive director of the think tank Africa Education Watch, highlights the need for governments to revive the Education and Emergency Plan adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This plan provides a framework for using virtual technologies to continue learning during crises. It also supports traditional teaching methods when physical infrastructure is compromised. Asare urges countries to prioritize implementing these policies immediately in times of conflict.
A Call for Action
The education crisis in West and Central Africa demands urgent attention. With millions of children at risk of falling behind, the need for coordinated action from governments, international organizations, and local communities is clear. Without sustained investment and effective strategies, the long-term consequences for future generations could be severe.
