THE ROLE OF REFUGEE EDUCATION POLICY IN REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN WEST AFRICA

Abstract

This study which interrogates the policy debates concerning refugee education, social cohesion and integration within the Economic Community of West African States, takes into consideration the role(s) which the education of refugees plays in regional development. International migration constitutes a complex phenomenon that has continued to grow in scope, complexity and importance, affecting several nations of the world, especially as it relates to specifically to human displacement and refugee issues. In West Africa, various strategies have been put in place with the aim of achieving a fully economically and politically integrated sub-region, even as conflicts, instability and terrorist insurgency have led to the displacement of persons within and across geographical boundaries. However, among the strategies to achieve the objective of regional integration and development, the education of refugees has not been given much consideration and this study reveals that an appropriate approach towards refugee education is important for increasing refugee self-reliance and fostering development. Through the extensive review of extant literature and analysis of relevant secondary data, the study finds that refugee education plays a very crucial role in social cohesion, and the adoption of an education policy that works will increase the self-reliance of refugees, facilitate integration in West Africa and ultimately see to the development of the sub-region in years to come.