Electronic learning during the 2023 Sudan war: a cross-sectional study of the socio-economic, behavioural and technological dimensions of student engagement

Abstract

The outbreak of war in Sudan on 15 April 2023 severely disrupted the country’s higher education system. Universities were looted, buildings destroyed, libraries burned, and laboratories rendered unusable, leading to the collapse of educational infrastructure. Approximately 104 higher education institutions and 600,000 university students were affected by nationwide closures. In response, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and October 2023 to evaluate the role of e-learning and explore students’ attitudes toward remote education during the conflict. The study included 684 students from 13 Sudanese universities across the country, representing approximately 12–13% of the national higher education sector. Participants completed a 14-item questionnaire entitled “What Is E-Learning Like? (In Wartime)”. The findings revealed a generally positive but conditional preference for distance learning, particularly when supported by timely instructor feedback and emotional encouragement. Recorded lectures and messaging platforms were the most accessible learning tools. However, students faced major barriers, including unstable internet connectivity, high costs, limited technological resources, and psychological stress. Despite these challenges, many students remained motivated to continue their education. The findings highlight the importance of resilient digital infrastructure, affordable connectivity, institutional preparedness, and public–private cooperation to ensure educational continuity during conflict.