Boko Haram's impact on education in the North

The impact of Boko Haram activities and armed conflict on schooling in Cameroon’s Far North requires serious assessment. The UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB) carried out a rapid assessment and prepared a report of results to the that effect in February 2015.

1. Key Findings In December 2014 UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB) carried out a rapid assessment in the 4 departments most affected by the insurgency of Boko Haram in the region of the Far North (Diamare, Logone et Chari, Mayo Tsanaga and Maya Sava).

Secondary data analysis allowed for purposive sampling methodology that targeted 110 schools and 93 households in conflict-affected areas and host communities in the region.

Summary results from the assessment of the impact of the conflict on schooling and internal displacement in the region are as listed below:

School Closures: • 120 schools were forced to close in 10 districts of the Far North for the current school year (2014-2015). School directors and community members cited as a primary reason for school closures, direct threats from Boko Haram


• 33,163 children (43% girls) are out of school or have been forced to seek access to schooling outside of their native communities as a result of school closures in affected districts


• It is estimated that over 29,000 students remain at risk of losing the entire 2014-2015 academic school year as a result of school closures


Host Schools:
• 104 host schools (3 pre-primary and 101 primary) accommodating a total of 66,077 students (43% girls) have been identified in 8 districts in the Far North


• 3,750 internally displaced students (41% girls) have been identified in these 104 host schools

Impact of conflict on school infrastructure
• 30% of assessed host schools were reportedly occupied by displaced population since the onset of the conflict


• 8% of assessed host schools reported being occupied by armed groups since the onset of the conflict


• 18% of host schools reportedly having been structurally damaged as a direct result of the conflict


• 11% of schools were reported to have been looted or pillaged as a direct result of the conflict


• 4% of host schools indicate unexploded ordinances and reminisce of war in and around school grounds