 | Education System in Niger |
Education in the landlocked North African country of Niger is fraught with the same problems faced by many traditionally minded, poorer nations. These difficulties include promoting a self-fulfilling prophecy of cultural and gender inequality through unequally distributed facilities, and less enthusiasm for educating females. Notwithstanding this, education is legally compulsory between ages 7 and 15. The first 6 years of this take place at primary schools, where more boys than girls complete the program.
The next three years of school - for those fortunate enough to continue - take place at lower secondary level in accordance with the French model where a standard academic curriculum is prescribed. Such facilities are sparse beyond the cities, and do not exist at all for Niger's nomadic tribes.
An upper secondary school period of 3 years completes the schooling cycle for the nation’s younger people. For the first time they have the opportunity of academic subject specialization, and the choice of alternative technical secondary education too. Concluding certificates are de bachelier de l'ensignement du second degree and de bachelier technician respectively.
Post-secondary technical and vocational studies, and specialized institutions such as for teacher training are administered separately from the nation's two universities. The latter include the Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey founded in 1973, and the Islamic University of West Africa established in 1987.
The former is administered as a public institution by the state. Its major departments, each with own faculties include an Agronomy College, a College of Arts and Human Sciences, and a College of Natural Science
