Cameroon's education minister says limiting admission is aimed at improving better quality of teaching

The Minister of Secondary Education, Jean Ernest Masséna Ngalle Bibehe, has reiterated that limiting admission into form one (6ème) is aimed at improving the quality of teaching in public and private schools.

This also applies to admission into the first year of intermediary classes.

Ngalle Bibehe was speaking in Yaounde on September 5 at the launching of the 2016/2017 academic year at the Government Bilingual High School Nkoleton under the theme: “Intensification of the professionalisation of education for more compatibility with socio-economic demands.”

“Measures to limit the intake of students was a subject of some misunderstandings.

I want to recall that this measure is not new. Circular No 48/G/8/MINEDUC/DESG/DETP of 1st November 1993 relating to the structure of secondary general and technical schools fixes the maximum number of students at 60 in all the classes of general secondary education, and the first year of technical secondary education; 30 in other classes of the first cycle of technical schools and 24 in the classes of the second cycle of technical schools,” Ngalle Bibehe stated.

He, however, acknowledged that following current demands for education, the Ministry is prescribing a maximum of 60 students in forms one (6ème) and first year of technical secondary schools; and 80 students in other classes.

“If the application of this measure is immediate in forms one (6ème), it will rather be progressive in other classes. Admission should not be open for classes that have attained 80 students,” the Minister insisted.

Noting that the 2016/2017 school year is already on the rails, the Minister advised students in examination classes that preparation for such exams starts on the very first day of school.

He expressed satisfaction that instructions on the limitation of intake is being respected. 

Regarding the closure of some private schools, Ngalle Bibehe said information at their disposal indicates that some of the schools are still admitting students.

He called for vigilance and responsibility on the part of the students and their parents who should not be deceived by dubious school promoters.

According to the Minister, closing illegal schools is aimed at cleansing the sector whose importance in the training of young Cameroonians cannot be overemphasised. He said unfortunately, some people who disregard the rules and laws of the nation have invaded the sector.

“On the whole, these measures were positively received by the national education community who are demonstrating their wish for quality education,” Ngalle Bibehe re-echoed.

Meanwhile, the Minister’s entourage also included the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Secondary Education in charge of Teacher Training, Boniface Bayaola, and the Secretary General, Prof. Ivo Leke Tambo.

According to an information sheet from the Communication Unit of MINESEC, Ngalle Bibehe and his collaborators were on the field to verify the effectiveness of school re-opening and above all, to ensure that instructions given ahead of the new school year are respected to the letter.

The Minister’s visit to Lycée General Leclerc was an opportunity to take stock of the 312 computers that President Biya offered the school within the framework of modernising teaching in schools.

President Biya initiated the project in 2001 through the creation of multimedia resource centres nationwide.

Cameroonpost