Education in Cameroon

Schoolhouse in Bankim, Cameroon

Literacy rate in Cameroon by region in 2013

Une école primaire à Godomey

Ecole St jean bosco

Des consignes données aux élèves à Mbô (Bandjoun)

Students in Science Laboratory in GBHS

Education in Cameroon is a system that encompasses both primary and secondary education, followed by tertiary education. The education system in Cameroon is governed by two separate governmental entities, reflecting the country's bilingual and bicultural heritage: the Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB) for primary education and the Ministry of Secondary Education (MINESEC) for secondary education. Additionally, the Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) oversees tertiary education. This structure is a legacy of the colonial era, with the country having been colonized by both France and Britain, leading to the coexistence of French and English educational traditions.

Overview

Education in Cameroon is compulsory up to the age of 12, a policy aimed at achieving universal primary education. The educational system is divided into primary (six years), secondary (seven years, divided into lower secondary and upper secondary), and tertiary levels. The primary language of instruction varies; in the English-speaking regions, English is the primary medium, while French is used in the French-speaking areas. However, there is a growing emphasis on becoming bilingual as the country seeks to unify its educational standards and promote national cohesion.

Primary Education

Primary education in Cameroon serves children from ages 6 to 12 and is designed to provide basic literacy, numeracy, and civic education. Upon completion, students sit for the First School Leaving Certificate examination, which determines their eligibility to proceed to secondary education.

Secondary Education

Secondary education is divided into two cycles: the first cycle (lower secondary) lasts for four years, culminating in the award of the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level) or its French equivalent, the Brevet d'Etudes du Premier Cycle (BEPC). The second cycle (upper secondary) lasts for three years, leading to the GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) or the Baccalauréat, depending on the linguistic section of the school.

Tertiary Education

Tertiary education in Cameroon includes universities, higher professional schools, and teacher training colleges. The country hosts both state-run and private institutions, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The University of Yaoundé, established in 1962, is one of the oldest and most prominent universities in the country.

Challenges

Despite government efforts to improve access to education, Cameroon faces several challenges, including regional disparities in educational provision, gender gaps in school attendance, and issues of quality and relevance of education. The Boko Haram insurgency has also had a detrimental effect on education in the northern regions, causing school closures and disrupting the education of thousands of children.

Recent Developments

The Cameroonian government has initiated several reforms aimed at addressing these challenges, including curriculum revisions, teacher training programs, and infrastructure development projects. Additionally, there is an increasing focus on vocational and technical education as a means to address youth unemployment and meet the country's developmental needs.

Conclusion

Education in Cameroon is a system in transition, facing both significant challenges and opportunities for reform and improvement. The government's commitment to universal education and the promotion of bilingualism are positive steps toward addressing some of the systemic issues. However, sustained effort and investment are required to ensure that all Cameroonian children and youth have access to quality education that prepares them for the future.