Regional Challenges
In the region of non-Sahel West Africa, provision of inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all are the key challenges, according to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS). Furthermore, unemployment and underemployment is a serious issue shared by the countries of this region. Taking Nigeria as an example, nearly a quarter of the population is out of work and 20% is underemployed; and, for the young people aged 15 to 35, unemployment is rampant with more than 55.4%. In addition, according to the UIS, an explosion in the number of students enrolled in in higher education in Africa is taking place, increasing from 5.6 million in 2000 to 13 million in 2017. This may have an adverse impact on the quality of training and research as well as on the professional integration of young graduates. Therefore, it is critical to revitalize the level and system of higher education in the region to meet with the 21st century standards.
Thematic Areas of Education Sector
The Education Sector of UNESCO Abuja Office is committed to promoting quality lifelong learning opportunities for all, in all settings and at all levels of education. Within the framework of UNESCO being the global lead of Sustainable Development Goal 4, the Sector advocates, advises and provides technical supports to Member States in the improvement of their national education policies and plans to advance access to equitable and quality education.
Activities of the sector focus on the following areas:
- Early Childhood Care and Education, Primary and Secondary Education, Foundational Skills
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training
- Literacy and Adult Education
- Higher Education, Research and Information and Communication Technologies
- Teacher Policies and Implementation
- Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship Education
- Gender Equality
- Global/Regional Coordination of SDG4 – Education 2030
- Review and Monitor the Implementation of SDG4
Ongoing Extra-Budgetary Projects
The Sector also mobilizes extra-budgetary resources to complement its Regular Programme budget to support the implementation of effective and efficient national programmes and strategies in the region countries. Notable among the extra-budgetary projects are:
(1) School Meets the Learner Approach (SMLA) – UNESCO’s innovation using the P&G funds to empower girls and women in Literacy and Skills development through ICTs
(2) Our Rights, Our Life, Our Future
(3) UNESCO-China Funds-in-Trust Project: Enhancing Liberia Teacher Education through Information and Communication Technology Pedagogy