Cameroon Expresses Interest in Tunisia’s Technical & Vocational Education

Cameroon’s Minister of Secondary Education, Prof. Nalova Lyonga, has expressed the country’s interest in drawing from Tunisia’s experience in technical and vocational education. She believes that adopting aspects of Tunisia’s model could significantly enhance education under her ministry.

Speaking in Yaoundé on Monday, February 17, during the official opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the Open Days of Private Higher Education and Vocational Training in Tunisia, Minister Lyonga reaffirmed her commitment to leveraging Tunisia’s expertise.

“I look forward to collaborating with Tunisia to promote easy access to quality education for secondary school students,” she stated.

She emphasized that incorporating the practical elements of Tunisia’s vocational training system could help facilitate the socio-economic integration of young Cameroonians. The organization of the event in Cameroon, she noted, is a testament to the strong interest Tunisia has shown in supporting the education of Cameroonian youth.

Strengthening Cooperation: A Meeting Held Prior to the Event

Before attending the event at the Tunisian Embassy in Yaoundé, Minister Lyonga had already met with Tunisian officials on February 6. The delegation, led by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Tunisian Embassy in Cameroon, His Excellency Mohamed Amine Ameur, engaged in discussions aimed at fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.

During the meeting, both parties explored opportunities in technical and vocational education, as well as the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance distance learning. Minister Lyonga reiterated her ministry’s eagerness to learn from Tunisia’s advancements in these areas. It was through this meeting that she received an invitation to attend the Open Days event.

A Platform for Knowledge Exchange

The Open Days event serves as a platform for experience and knowledge sharing in priority areas such as:

• Technical and Vocational Secondary Education
• Distance Learning
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Education

According to MINESEC, this initiative falls within the framework of the Executive Cooperation Programme in Primary and Secondary Education, signed between Tunisia and Cameroon on April 27, 2024. The agreement, which spans from 2024 to 2026, aims to strengthen collaboration in education and training.

The ongoing Open Days event, taking place in Yaoundé and Douala from February 17 to 20, is jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia and the Tunisian Trade Representation in Cameroon. Its primary goal is to raise awareness among students about study and vocational training opportunities available at Tunisian universities.

Through this partnership, Cameroon seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of technical education, empowering young people with practical skills for better employment prospects.

Mimi Mefo Info