Currently, there are about 179 Kindergarten, 2996 primary schools (1-8), 88 first cycle secondary schools, 24 preparatory secondary schools and 20 technical & vocational schools (TVET) in the region.  The number of teachers and students in primary schools are 29089 and 2023113 respectively. This shows that gross enrollment ratio in primary education is 55.4 per cent as opposed to 61.6 per cent at national level. This indicates relatively low level of primary education in the region. In addition, female enrolment (45.8) is lower than their male counterparts.

Drop out and repetition rates are significant in primary education; at 6.5 per cent in 1995 e.c. Distance is one factor that contributes to less access to education especially in rural areas. For example, in the region, out of the total rural population, nearly 35 per cent reside in more than 5 kilometers distance far from the nearby primary school. Besides, the need for labor by family and traditional and cultural practices such as marriage contribute a lot to female dropout rate.

The reality in secondary schools is not quite different from the one depicted above. Gross enrollment in first cycle secondary schools is only 11 per cent while drop out rate is 20.7 per cent. Thus, more attention should be given to sustain the continuity of students to stay at schools over the education colander. Despite the above facts, the regional government has given much emphasis to promote basic education in the region. This can be understood from the fact that nearly 32.6 per cent of the total budget is allocated to this sector in 1995.