Schooling in Niger is free and compulsory between the ages of 7 and 15. Because of a shortage of teachers and the wide dispersion of the population, only 29 % of primary school-age children obtain an education. In the 1997-1998 school year 482,100 pupils attended primary schools. Secondary schools listed only 7 % of the relevant age group. Advanced training is given at the University of Niamey