African Education in Perspective

Abstract

Education was generally for an immediate induction into society and a preparation for adulthood. In particular, African education emphasised social responsibility, job orientation, political participation and spiritual and moral values. In this chapter, therefore, the authors discuss the three major landmarks in the history of African education prior to the era of political independence. These include: indigenous or traditional African education before the advent of Islam and Christianity; the advent of Islam and Islamic education in Africa; and the coming of the Christian Missionaries, and the colonial era. The authors also compare and contrast how each major area operated in a number of African countries including those not represented in this book. The objectives of traditional African education are many and varied but the ultimate goal is to produce an individual who is honest, respectful, skilled, co-operative, and who conforms to the social order of the day.