Old rule returns to Ivory Coast schools

Government brings back old rule - 17th October 2022

The Ivory Coast has reintroduced a 1970s rule, where students returning to school must obtain a certain grade or be excluded. The government hopes the measure will encourage students to take their studies more seriously and raise their performance levels.

After sitting their exams this year, students will need at least an 8.5 to remain at school or else be barred.

At Pierre Amondji College, reactions to the rule are mixed, with many students finding it positive because they’re tired of large class sizes. One student said, "It's a good measure. The goal is to improve our knowledge so we move on with solid training." Others fear that the new rule gives too much power to teachers, who could misuse it, as students sometimes must negotiate with teachers to get better marks.

Some parents are glad their children might have smaller and less chaotic classes, allowing for more teacher guidance and attention.

For other parents, the rule goes too far as one mother said "What are we going to do with the students who will be excluded? It's too drastic!"

The government says it has a plan for students who fall out of school. Instead of attending secondary school, they'll study a trade and work as electricians or welders. The Minister of National Education, Mariatou Koné , wants to reassure parents stating that "Students will not be barred from the school system. There are bridges between technical education and vocational training."

Barring students isn't the only issue facing the ministry of education. A teacher shortage has increased class sizes, often up to 60 or even 70 students in a single class and in some cases requiring the school year getting cut short.

Claude Kadio Aka, president of the Organisation of the Parents of Pupils and Students (OPEECI) says, "We must not leave anybody aside. The state must redirect these students to training in other trades. All our children are useful in the development of the country."