Ziguinchor Schools Fall Short of Expectations in Academic Performance

In the Ziguinchor academy, despite notable progress in educational access and governance, a significant weakness persists: academic performance, especially concerning the Baccalaureate examinations. A recent regional sector review highlighted the urgent need for the education sector to reinvent itself to meet expected standards. While schools are accessible and management is considered more efficient, the core issue of learning quality continues to lag behind expectations.

“

This review is a strategic framework for assessment and orientation. Evaluations conducted show that in terms of access and governance, the academy's indicators remain satisfactory.

According to the Ziguinchor Inspector of Academies, Papa Gorgui Ndiaye, while indicators for access and governance are satisfactory, there are still shortcomings in success rates across various examinations. He noted that while the Cfee and Bfem exams show improvement, the situation is more worrying at higher levels. The Baccalaureate, in particular, is a source of significant concern, with Ziguinchor experiencing a nearly three-point decline, failing to reach the national target of 46% and achieving just under 39% last year.

“

We have noted shortcomings in the success rates for various exams.

This situation has prompted regional education authorities to call for decisive action to improve academic outcomes sustainably. A particular point of concern is the low enrollment in scientific fields, which consistently struggle to attract even 10% of candidates annually. The Inspector emphasized the urgent need to restore the strategic importance of scientific disciplines. This focus on improving results, especially in science, is critical for the region's future development and its ability to compete nationally and internationally. The review serves as a strategic framework for assessment and orientation, aiming to address these persistent challenges head-on.

“

For the Cfee and the Entry into 6th grade, our performance far exceeds the national average. However, in the Baccalaureate, we have a decline of nearly three points. The objective of 46% was not reached, as we obtained less than 39% in this exam last year.