Libreville, January 5, 2024 (AGP) – The averages retained, notably 12/20 for the first cycle and 11/20 for the second, have sparked various reactions within public opinion since Thursday, we observed.
One of the flagship measures of the President of the Transition, Brigadier General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has been at the heart of a debate for the last twenty-four hours on the Gabonese web and in various discussion forums. This subject, both fascinating for some and frustrating for others, nevertheless highlights the evidence of a necessity: the overhaul of the school system in Gabon.
Announced last September, the reestablishment of the school scholarship, fourteen years after it was shelved by the old regime, ended up splitting an opinion that until then had been overwhelmingly favorable and held by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of institutions (CTRI). Not because of the reactivation of this high-impact social measure but rather because of its functionalities to be able to benefit from it. Unlike what was done in the past where it was enough to just have an average of 10/20, middle and high school students will now have to obtain an average of 12/20 and 11/20 respectively to receive the said scholarship. The new award criteria set out by the Minister of National Education Camélia Ntoutoume Leclercq last Thursday, as was to be expected, were variously appreciated. Thus creating two diametrically opposed blocks.
Some (conservatives) see this as a sort of thinly veiled backpedaling by decision-makers while others (progressives) have praised the culture of meritocracy.
Critics of this decision cited clumsiness in the timing chosen. They also regret that this announcement came at a time when several learners who obtained an average of 10/20 in the first trimester were impatiently awaiting the payment dates for this scholarship. It is therefore a huge cold shower for them in this scorching month of January. They also mentioned “ a rule change in the middle of a match ». As if to reflect the absence of a real avant-garde communication operation on a project which nevertheless concerns thousands of young Gabonese people.
« I thought that advocating excellence began with creating the conditions for excellence…is that still it? » asked Nicaise Junior, a teacher.
« Put the learners in good conditions then you can determine the criteria for awarding scholarships,” said Fred William. When Christelle Hyndra showed herself to be questioning about certain prerequisites. « We must reduce the bloated workforce. And the lack of teachers is a reality. There are students who end years without teachers in certain subjects“, she remarked.
On the other hand, there are also very many Gabonese men and women who have applauded with both hands this measure advocating meritocracy. Seeing this as a way for the country’s new authorities to continue their action plan focused on the restoration of institutions. Education is one of them, obviously. The aim is to breathe new life into the Gabonese education system and create competitiveness and emulation.
FE/HUN
