Colonial Involvement:

  • The British colonial administration initially left education in the hands of missionaries.

  • As economic and administrative needs grew, the government became more involved, especially after the 1882 Education Ordinance.

Key Colonial Policies:

  1. Grants-in-aid – Financial support to mission schools.

  2. Inspection and Supervision – Ensure standards in missionary schools.

  3. Emphasis on Literacy and Clerical Training – To produce low-level administrators for the colonial government.

Impact of Colonial Policies:

  • Education became more structured and standardized.

  • Created class divisions between literates (civil servants) and non-literates (farmers/laborers).

  • Western education was concentrated in urban/coastal areas.

  • Indigenous knowledge and Islamic education were sidelined.

  • Curriculum focused on obedience, loyalty to the crown, and non-critical thinking.