250,000 Pupils Sit for 2024/2025 Common Entrance Examination in Cameroon

Government Common Entrance Examination - File Image

Approximately 250,000 pupils across Cameroon sat for the 2024/2025 Common Entrance Examination into First Year General and Technical Education, part of the Francophone Subsystem of Education. The exam was held on Tuesday, May 13.

Significant Increase in Participation

This year’s figure represents a sharp rise from the previous 132,900 candidates. The Common Entrance Examination serves as a gateway for pupils seeking admission into government secondary schools.

Education officials reported that the exercises ran smoothly across the national territory, though some centres noted minor absences.

Minister Nalova Lyonga Evaluates Exam Centers

Ahead of the examination, Cameroon’s Minister of Secondary Education, Prof. Nalova Lyonga, visited several examination centers to oversee preparations and ensure compliance with exam procedures.

Her tour included sub-centers in Mefou and Afamba Division—specifically GBHS and GHS Nkozoa, GHS Ngousso, Nkoulmenkong—as well as GBHS Nkolbisson in Mfoundi Division.

State media reported that Minister Nalova Lyonga, accompanied by the Secretary General at the Governor’s Office and ministry officials, expressed satisfaction with the organization and exam conditions at the various centers.

New Measures Introduced by the Ministry of Secondary Education

The Ministry of Secondary Education (MINESEC) has introduced several changes to streamline the placement process and improve transparency:

School Placement Based on Registration Choice: Successful candidates will only be admitted to the schools they selected during the registration phase.
Students who pass under List A or B will receive a unique student identification number for the first time. This number will follow them throughout their academic journey until graduation. Secondary schools will verify this number before admitting students, ensuring consistency and authenticity in enrolment.

Academic Year Nears Conclusion

Although the Common Entrance Examination determines eligibility for secondary school placement, pupils must still complete the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) examination. The practical component took place last week, and the written exam will follow in the coming days.

These exams mark the final phase of the 2024/2025 academic year.

Mimi Mefo Info

Njong Shey