More than 38,000 primary school pupils in Cameroon’s North West Region began writing the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) examination on Monday, June 10, 2025. The two-day national exam also includes candidates from the French-speaking subsystem sitting for the Certificat d’Études Primaires (CEP).
Education authorities report that 38,304 candidates have registered across 267 examination centres in the region. Authorities grouped these centres into designated accommodation centres to tackle ongoing security concerns from the Anglophone crisis.
Emergency Relocation in Nkambe Following Windstorm
In Nkambe, the divisional capital of Donga Mantung, a violent windstorm on Sunday, June 8, forced the relocation of over 300 pupils from Government Practicing School (GPS) Group Two to GPS Group One. The storm severely damaged classroom infrastructure, rendering GPS Group Two unsuitable for hosting the examination.
“Due to the unfortunate incident, we had to relocate to GPS Group One, which is in the same campus posing no challenges. The candidates are taking the exams but for four others who have either been displaced or have moved out of the subdivision,” said Ngeh Ezekiel, Inspector of Basic Education for Nkambe.
Delays Reported in Bamenda Accommodation Centers
In Bamenda, the regional capital, logistical delays were observed. At the St. Joseph’s Bilingual Nursery and Primary School accommodation center, exams began after 8:30 a.m. due to the late arrival of pupils and school administrators.
Low Absenteeism Despite Security Concerns
Despite logistical challenges and adverse weather, education officials described the first day as “largely successful.” Education officials reported only a small number of absences, primarily due to displacement or security-related issues in affected communities.
The FSLC and CEP exams are scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Ongoing Conflict
The North West and South West regions of Cameroon have experienced an armed separatist conflict since 2017, significantly affecting the education sector. School closures, displacement, and threats to safety have disrupted regular academic calendars in these areas.
Authorities noted that the turnout for the 2025 FSLC and CEP exams reflects the continued prioritization of education despite prevailing challenges.
