Four African Universities Partner to Expand Access to Nomadic Education

Four universities from Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia and Namibia have established a consortium to address educational barriers facing nomadic pastoralists and other marginalised communities across Africa.

The partnership was announced on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 during a three-day international conference in Kano, Nigeria

What exactly does this parternship Mean

It means four universities from Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia and Namibia have agreed to work together to help children from nomadic communities get an education. These are children whose families move from one place to another often with their livestock, making it difficult for them to attend regular schools. The universities want to find better ways to help these children enrol in school, continue their education and graduate, despite their families' mobile lifestyles.

The participating institutions are

• Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN)
• The Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya
• Capital University in Somalia
• The University of Namibia.

The consortium aims to improve school enrolment, retention and completion rates among children in underserved communities by promoting education approaches that accommodate their circumstances.

Why the Universities Are Collaborating

Speaking at the conference, MAAUN President, Professor Mohammad Israr said education remained a fundamental right but noted that nomadic pastoralists and marginalised communities continued to face significant barriers to accessing quality learning.

He said universities and other educational institutions had a responsibility to develop inclusive, flexible and innovative approaches that would ensure learners were not excluded from education because of their circumstances.

Israr added that the conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share experiences and develop practical strategies for improving educational access.

The founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities, **Professor Adamu Abubakar-Gwarzo_, also called for curricula that address the specific educational needs of nomadic and pastoralist communities.

According to him, relevant curricula would help children in these communities acquire knowledge and skills that could contribute to their personal development and the progress of their countries.

Education Minister Highlights Challenges Facing Nomadic Children In Africa

The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id-Ahmad, said improving access to education for nomadic and underserved children was both a national responsibility and a shared continental priority.

The minister, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Professor Yahaya Bunkure explained that the challenges facing nomadic learners extended beyond securing admission into schools.

She noted that children also needed support to remain in school, complete their education and acquire skills relevant to their lives.

The minister urged universities in Nigeria and other African countries to conduct research into the factors affecting access, participation, retention and learning among nomadic and underserved children.

Universities Call for Greater African Cooperation

The Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Professor Elias Opngo, and the Vice-Chancellor of Capital University, Dr Ahmed Ga’al, participated virtually in the conference.

In their separate remarks, they called for equal educational opportunities for children regardless of their geographical location, family occupation or personal circumstances.

They also emphasised the importance of cooperation among African countries in addressing the challenges associated with nomadic education.

The consortium is expected to support collaborative efforts towards more inclusive educational opportunities for nomadic pastoralists and other marginalised learners across the continent.