I have to add that, having been educated in a traditional way, through the State system in the early fifties/sixties, (strict Primary school, grammar school, old established university and then teacher training college) I did not experience an enlightened or inspiring ethos while learning. Yet I venture to think it didn't restrict my free-thinking, or prevent me from exploring for myself my own ideas and opinions.
It did however give me an excellent grounding in literacy, general knowledge, self-discipline and diligence, all of which have served me well over the years.
Those Egyptian teachers perhaps used the education system most suitable for their country and their particular work requirements. They also explained to me they just didn't have the resources to implement self-directed learning. (It is indeed an expensive luxury)

I think Charles Dickens explored this very issue in Hard Times.