Yemen's divided education system leaves students' futures in limbo
Al Jazeera Staff
Yemen's divided education system has left students in Houthi-controlled areas unable to have their diplomas recognized by the Aden-based government, blocking their path to studying abroad. The move has sparked outrage among students, parents, and educators, who see it as collective punishment and a political tool in the ongoing conflict.
Sanaa, Yemen – Bashar Mohammed, 19, enrolled in several English courses after finishing high school last year in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa. He hoped to win a scholarship to study abroad, but now fears the Aden-based government will not recognize his diploma.
Yemen has been split between the internationally recognized government and the Houthi group for over a decade of conflict. In late July, the Aden-based Education Ministry issued a directive suspending the authentication of some diplomas issued in Houthi-controlled areas. The ministry said it could not access official records to verify some students' documents, blaming the Houthis for the issue.
“It’s like saying our 12 years of school were a waste of time. It's heartbreaking,” Mohammed told Al Jazeera, adding that his dream of studying abroad is now shattered, as Yemeni students seeking to go overseas must have their diplomas certified by the Foreign Ministry, which requires an Education Ministry stamp confirming the diploma's authenticity.
Students and parents feel powerless
Ayman Ahmed, 18, who just graduated from high school in the Houthi-controlled province of Raymah, said it is students who are being punished, not the Houthis. “Students and parents are helpless; they can’t resist the Houthis or ask the Houthi authorities to coordinate with the government in Aden,” Ahmed said, highlighting the risk of reprisals for dissent against the group, which has jailed many opponents and even UN staff. “So, deeming our diplomas invalid is a collective and unfair punishment.”
Earlier this month, Education Minister Adel al-Abadi clarified that the suspension of diploma authentication in Houthi areas does not apply to all academic years, as the ministry has records for certain years. However, Ahmed argued that is not the fault of the affected students: “Education officials in Sanaa and Aden could coordinate to resolve the data gap. Our education and certificates should not be victims of their disputes.”
Deepening educational divide
Since 2015, when Yemen was geographically split, each side has pursued its own education policies, creating parallel systems. The school year begins in June in Houthi areas, while schools in government areas start in late August. Curricula also differ, with the Houthis altering many textbooks.
Mohammed Abdu, a sociology researcher at Taiz University, said: “There are two systems, two ministries, and no coordination. Society, especially students, cannot escape the negative impact of this imbalance.” He also noted that the two systems have different exam formats and high school exam schedules.
According to Abdu, the recent surge in fighting in Yemen – after a relatively peaceful four-year period – could create further problems for students, such as displacing families and destroying schools. According to the UN, about 2,800 schools in Yemen have been destroyed, damaged, or repurposed due to the war. More than 6.6 million school-age children – roughly one-third – have not attended school this year.
“The warring parties should reach a consensus on policies to ease the hardship for Yemeni students and separate education from political or military competition,” Abdu said.
‘It’s unfair to let students bear the burden’
Aref Naji Ali, an adviser to the Aden Education Ministry, told Al Jazeera that the prolonged rift in education policy is one of “the most dangerous consequences of the Yemeni conflict.” He stressed: “Education should not become another arena for political division. Students are the most vulnerable, and it’s unfair to let them bear the consequences of divisions among institutions and authorities.”
Ali defended the Aden Education Ministry’s decision, saying their responsibility is to protect the right to education and uphold the integrity of the educational process, but also placed blame on the Houthis.
Ammar Amri, a teacher in Sanaa, expressed anger that his students are being stripped of opportunities they deserve. “Many students have the academic ability and financial means to study abroad. With this conflict, many dreams will be crushed,” Amri said. “This is a loss for students and for society as a whole. It seems the warring parties have struck education off their list of priorities.”
