Cumulative Loss of Instructional Days Between 2016 and 2025: The Decline in Educational Quality in Lebanon

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The education sector in Lebanon has experienced a severe and prolonged decline in the number of actual instructional days provided in schools, starkly contrasting the global standard of 180 days annually observed in OECD countries. Over nearly a decade, Lebanese public schools have lost up to 880 days out of the expected 1,800 instructional days (global average 180 days per year)—a staggering 49% deficit.

This alarming trend is a result of compounded factors, including administrative inefficiency, recurring crises, and inadequate recovery measures. These challenges have significantly undermined the quality of education and impeded students’ acquisition of essential competencies. The situation reflects a broader systemic failure in the education sector, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based interventions to address structural and financial gaps. Immediate action is critical to restoring the integrity and functionality of Lebanese education.