How did education evolve in Africa during colonialism?

During colonialism, education in Africa evolved from indigenous systems to Western-style schooling, often serving colonial interests.

Before the advent of colonialism, Africa had its own indigenous systems of education that were mainly oral and practical, focusing on social responsibilities, job training, character development, and understanding the environment. However, the arrival of European colonisers brought significant changes. The colonial powers introduced Western-style education systems, which were primarily designed to serve their own economic and administrative needs.

The British, French, Portuguese, and Belgians had different approaches to education in their respective colonies. The British, for instance, implemented a policy of indirect rule, which involved the use of existing African systems of governance. As such, their education system was geared towards creating a class of intermediaries between the British officials and the local population. The French, on the other hand, aimed to assimilate Africans into French culture and therefore their education system was more comprehensive, teaching French language, history, and culture.

The Portuguese and Belgians also had their unique approaches. The Portuguese aimed to create a loyal and Portuguese-speaking African elite, while the Belgians, particularly in the Congo, focused on vocational training to supply the colonial administration and companies with skilled labour.

The content of education during colonialism was often alien to African societies. It was mainly theoretical, focusing on reading, writing, and arithmetic, with little regard for the African environment and realities. The medium of instruction was the language of the colonial power, which further alienated the learners.

Moreover, access to education was highly unequal. The colonial powers prioritised education for their own citizens and for the African elite who served their interests. The majority of Africans had limited access to education, and where they did, it was often of poor quality.

In conclusion, the evolution of education in Africa during colonialism was marked by the imposition of Western-style education systems that served the interests of the colonial powers. These systems were often alien to African societies and perpetuated inequalities in access to education.