JOURNAL OF LIAONING TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
(NATURAL SCIENCE EDITION)
LIAONING GONGCHENG JISHU DAXUE XUEBAO (ZIRAN KEXUE BAN)
辽宁工程技术大学学报（自然科学版）
EDUCATION IN AFRICA AND THE GLOBAL FUTURE
OMOTAYO, Olufunmilola Adekiitan (Ph.D), OKUNADE, Helen Funmilola (Ph.D)
Abstract
Education remains a pivotal factor in Africa’s quest for meaningful participation in the global future. With a rapidly expanding population and evolving economic landscapes, the continent holds immense potential to influence global development. However, realizing this potential depends significantly on the quality and accessibility of education across the continent. A major challenge facing African education systems is limited access, particularly in rural areas where infrastructural and socio-economic constraints prevent many children from attending school. Consequently, a significant number of young people remain out of school or receive substandard education, limiting their capacity to contribute meaningfully to national and global advancement. Equally concerning is the quality of education. Inadequate funding, a shortage of qualified teachers, and outdated curricula undermine the effectiveness of educational delivery. As a result, many learners graduate without the skills and competencies required in an increasingly competitive global workforce. Additionally, gender disparity remains a pressing issue. Girls often face systemic barriers to education, leading to high illiteracy rates among women and restricting their personal and societal development. To address these challenges, comprehensive reforms are necessary. Expanding educational access through rural infrastructure development, scholarship provision, and policy reforms can help bridge the gap. Moreover, investing in teacher training, curriculum modernization, and promoting gender equity in education will be essential to raise educational standards. In conclusion, the transformation of Africa’s education system is vital for unlocking the continent’s human capital and securing its role in shaping a sustainable global future. This paper employs an expository-analytical approach to examine the current state of education in Africa, identifying key challenges and proposing pathways for reform.
Keywords: Education, Africa, Global future, Access to education, Quality education, Gender disparity, Human capital development