Assessment of the Efficiency of Educational Services in Iraq (2003–2020)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the state of education in Iraq across its various levels—kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools—after 2003, focusing on the number of schools, students, and teaching staff during the academic years 2003–2004, 2010–2011, 2015–2016, and 2019–2020.

The first section of the study provides an overview of the growth in the number of schools and students over time.

The second section evaluates the efficiency of educational services, analyzing factors such as the number of students per school and the student-to-teacher ratio.

Key Findings:

In 2003–2004, Iraq had 557 kindergartens, 10,608 primary schools, and 3,514 secondary schools. By 2019–2020, these numbers had increased to 1,244 kindergartens, 17,945 primary schools, and 8,612 secondary schools.

Baghdad Governorate ranked first in terms of the number of schools and students, while Al-Muthanna Governorate ranked last.

Kindergartens and primary schools demonstrated low efficiency in most governorates due to overcrowding, whereas secondary schools exhibited better efficiency levels.

Key Recommendations:

Increase the number of kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools, particularly in underdeveloped areas where shortages are most severe.

Expand the teaching workforce, as many governorates suffer from a shortage of teachers, which negatively affects education quality