Educational Systems and Neocolonial Thought

Africa’s decolonization in the mid-20th Century resulted in political freedom, but it also left residues of colonial effects in many sectors, including education. This chapter investigates the relationship between African education systems and neocolonialism, with a focus on how much colonial ideals are reflected in educational content and organization. Using a critical theoretical framework, the chapter investigates how colonial legacies continue to influence educational practices in African countries, maintaining unequal power dynamics and promoting Western hegemony. Drawing on a variety of academic literature and case studies, the chapter analyzes how colonial traditions impact curricula, pedagogical approaches, and institutional structures in African education systems, thereby resulting in a continued emphasis on Eurocentric knowledge and values. The chapter also examines the impact of neoliberal policies and globalization on education in Africa, emphasizing how these trends reinforce neocolonial processes. Finally, the chapter seeks to critically examine the intricacies of education as a venue of continued colonial dominance and to propose ways for deneocolonizing African education systems and empowering marginalized voices. The implications for African countries’ cultural identities, social progress, and political liberation are also discussed.