Determinants of Muslim Educational Attainment in Africa: A Comparison of Nigeria and Uganda

Posted: 18 Apr 2013

See all articles by Melina Platas

Melina Platas

New York University (NYU) - New York University, Abu Dhabi

Date Written: April 18, 2013

Abstract

In this paper, I examine the diverse experiences of Muslim populations in Africa in access and demand for formal schooling, and the role of Muslim organizations in promoting education. I explore why initial inequality in formal education between Christian and Muslims was greatly reduced in some places but persisted in others following independence.

Using a paired case comparison of the Baganda in central Uganda and the Yoruba in southwest Nigeria, I explore the factors that resulted in the persistence or reduction of educational inequalities between Christians and Muslims, ruling out by design several plausible but insufficient explanations. I argue that the presence of a highly centralized state with Muslim leadership facilitated Muslims organization, and that competition with Christian missionaries spurred demand for formal schooling among the Muslim community.

I compare two ethnic groups that were 1) centrally located in the colonial state, 2) favored by the colonial government, 3) located in former British territories, and 4) had Muslim minority populations. In each case, I explore the relationships between Muslim communities, traditional authority, and the state, and how these relationships affect Muslim organization and well-being, particularly in the area of formal education. I present qualitative evidence from three months of fieldwork in Nigeria and Uganda, as well as an analysis of data on educational attainment from the Demographic and Health Surveys, national censuses, and education household surveys.

Suggested Citation

Platas, Melina, Determinants of Muslim Educational Attainment in Africa: A Comparison of Nigeria and Uganda (April 18, 2013). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2253540

Melina Platas (Contact Author)

New York University (NYU) - New York University, Abu Dhabi ( email )

PO Box 129188
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

HOME PAGE: http://melinaplatas.com

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