Old rule returns to Ivory Coast schools

Government revives old school rule - 17th October 2022

High school students in the Ivory Coast are facing the reestablishment of a 1970's government mandate, whereby students failing to meet the benchmark grade, won't be readmitted to school. The measure has been revived in the hopes that students strive for better grades which will promote academic excellence.

Students risk being barred from secondary school if they fail to achieve a minimum score of 8.5 in their latest exams.

Mixed reactions and concerns to the government's reinstituted measure have surfaced at the Pierre Amondji College with many students looking forward to the prospect of reduced class sizes; one student adding "It's a good measure. The goal is to improve our knowledge so we move on with solid training." Those against argue that the move leaves teachers with excessive power, which means students, who from time to time need to negotiate their grades with teachers, risk being abused.

From parents' perspectives, the rule promises more contact with the teacher and less disruptive lessons for their children, in classes which will have fewer students. However, other parents claim the measure is extreme, with one concerned mother questioning "What are we going to do with the students who will be excluded? It's too drastic!"

Government proposed alternatives for those students who underperform in their exams include training them to become electricians and welders. The Minister of National Education, Mariatou Koné assures parents that "Students will not be barred from the school system. There are bridges between technical education and vocational training."

Although barring students may help reduce the classroom overcrowding, a shortage of teachers has resulted in many classes overflowing with up to 70 students in one group. According to the Ministry of Education, this staff shortage has also led to a reduced number of weeks in the school year.

The president of the Organisation of the Parents of Pupils and Students (OPEECI) insists "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."