Cameroon

Cameroon opposition leaders oppose increase in Bacc exam fees

Leaders of the Cameroon Democratic Union (CDU) and the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN) have opposed a recent government decision raising Baccalaureate exam fees by 25%, The Guardian Post Newspaper has reported.

In separate reactions, the CDU leader, Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, and the PCRN President, Cabral Libii, condemned the move as provocative and unjustifiable.

On September 12, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Secondary Education in charge of Teacher’s Training, Boniface Bayoula, announced an increase in Baccalaureate examination fees from FCFA 9,000 to 12,000

A circular he sent to the 10 Regional Delegates of Secondary Education indicated that “The Minister of Secondary Education informed officials of the Office du Bacc (OBC) that the registration fee has been moved from its traditional 9,000 FCFA to 12,000 FCFA.”

The decision sparked mixed reactions from parents whose children attend the French subsystem of education in Cameroon, which takes the Bacc exam.

In a statement reacting to the increase, the CDU party chair, Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, termed it “inopportune, suffocating, and provocative”.

“The decision has no justification mentioned, nor is there any precision as to the destination of the additional resources envisaged through its department in charge,” the CDU leader said.

“It is unacceptable in a context marked by the ever-increasing cost of living.”

The CDU politician, who is the Mayor of Foumban, was categorical in saying that the increase instead contributes to an “increase in the cost of public services without compensation in terms of quality of service for the benefit of the population in the area concerned.”

Similarly, the President of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, Hon. Cabral Libii, said the increase is unjustifiable.

He regretted that, since 2022, the government has announced price increases in several sectors in the country, including foodstuffs, petroleum products, and gas, as well as public services like official stamps.

In most cases, no reasons are given for such increments. He regretted that the overbearing Cameroonian public would just have to swallow their grudges and abide by the unfavourable government decisions.

David Atangana

David Atangana is a journalist with an interest in politics, human rights, corruption, crime, conflicts, and development.

Recent Posts

Cameroonians Among 11 Arrested in Nairobi Over Multi-Million Gold Scam

Detectives in Nairobi have arrested 11 suspects, including two Cameroonian nationals. They were arrested in…

4 hours ago

In Pictures – Labour Day 2025 Celebrated with Colour and Call for Rights in Bamenda

The 139th edition of International Labour Day was marked in Bamenda with a vibrant display…

4 hours ago

Traoré Thanks Supporters as Mass Rallies Reject Foreign Interference

Burkina Faso’s president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has expressed his gratitude to supporters around the world…

5 hours ago

Fako Trade Unions Decry Non-payment of Salaries at Labour Day Celebration

Some trade unions in Fako Division, South West Region, are urging for better working conditions…

9 hours ago

Bokwaongo Royal Family Rejects Njie Mbonde’s Designation as Chief

By Tata Mbunwe The designation of journalist Albert Njie Mbonde as Chief of Bokwaongo village…

9 hours ago

Menka Village Responds to Separatist Attacks: Kidnapping and Recovery of Stolen Equipment

Youths in Menka, a village in the Pinyin area of Cameroon’s North West Region, have…

11 hours ago