Niger_ Education Country Brief _ International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa

Introduction

• Purpose of the Brief: Provides an introduction to key issues and research related to Niger’s education system.

• Target Audience: Aimed at officials of Ministries of Education and education stakeholders.

• Focus Areas: Relevant to the KIX (Knowledge and Innovation eXchange) initiative, specifically managed by UNESCO IICBA.

Educational Outcomes and Human Capital

• Learning Crisis: Niger, like many African countries, is facing a significant learning crisis.

• Learning Poverty:

  • Estimated at 90% of children unable to read age-appropriate texts by age 10.

  • Contributing factors:

    • High number of out-of-school children.

    • 65% of enrolled children may be learning poor.

• Impact on Educational Attainment:

  • Primary school completion rates in 2021:

    • Girls: 54%

    • Boys: 61%

  • Lower secondary completion rates show significant drop-offs:

    • Girls: 14.8%

    • Boys: 17.1%

  • Secondary education enrollment (2017):

    • Females: 20%

    • Males: 27%

  • Factors influencing low attainment:

    • Child marriage and early childbearing.

Human Capital Index (HCI) for Niger

• Variables in HCI:

  1. Probability of survival past age five: 92%

  2. Expected years of schooling until age 18: 5.5 years

  3. Expected learning acquisition: 305

  4. Learning-adjusted schooling years: 2.7 years

  5. Adult survival rate: 77%

  6. Probability of not being stunted in early childhood: 52%

• Expected Productivity: A child born in Niger today is estimated to reach 32% of full potential, which is lower than both Sub-Saharan Africa and low-income countries.

Types of Capital

• Types of National Wealth:

  1. Produced Capital: Investments in assets like factories and infrastructure.

  2. Natural Capital: Includes agricultural land and resources.

  3. Human Capital: Refers to the earnings potential of the labor force connected to education levels.

• Current Estimates: Human capital in Niger accounts for 38% of national wealth.

KIX Initiative and Thematic Focus Areas

• Objective: Support countries in evidence-based policymaking in education.

• Key Themes:

  1. Learning assessment systems

  2. Early childhood education

  3. Teaching and learning

  4. Data challenges

  5. Gender equality

  6. Equity and inclusion

• Resources: Links to GPE-KIX discussion papers and related publications can aid in policy approach.

Improving Teaching and Learning

• Importance of Teaching: Teacher-student interaction is essential for enhanced outcomes.

• Learning Assessment Systems:

  • Niger engages in various assessments at both national and international levels.

  • Notable assessments: UNICEF Skills Assessment, PASEC, etc.

• Teacher Policies: Standards proposed for teacher competencies; teacher professional framework is in development.

Strengthening Early Childhood Education

• Significance: Early experiences crucial for lifelong impacts.

• Pre-Primary Education Enrollment Goal: Niger aims for a 20% gross pre-primary enrollment rate by 2030.

Achieving Gender Equality in Education

• Impact of Gender Inequality: Reduced education for girls leads to further socio-economic costs.

• National Strategy: Niger developed a strategy for enhancing education for girls and women from 2020-2030.

Data Management Systems

• Role of EMIS: Education Management Information Systems are vital for effective management and decision-making.

• Ongoing Developments: Implementation of a National Plan for Monitoring Learning Outcomes and improve education governance.

Equity and Inclusion Challenges

• Diversity Issues: Gender, disability, and socioeconomic status contribute to educational inequities.

• Policy Focus: Strategies to promote inclusive education are necessary for addressing gaps.

Research and Resources

• UNESCO IICBA Research: New research programs focused on teacher and education issues, with resources available on their website.

• Digital Repositories: Access to literature on education themes, including those provided by GPE, World Bank, and various other organizations.

Conclusion

• Sources of Data: The Ministry of Education, World Bank, and UNICEF provide vital educational data for informed policymaking. Various other repositories facilitate access to education-related literature and research.