North West Education Sector Records Progress Despite Persistent Hurdles

Cross Section of Education Stakeholders in the North West Region.

Education officials in Cameroon’s North West Region say the sector has recorded significant progress over the past academic year, despite ongoing security challenges and internal shortcomings. 

The assessment was made during a regional education review and planning meeting held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Government Technical High School (GTHS) Bamenda, under the patronage of Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique.

Baijong Ezikiel, North West Regional Delegate of Secondary Education.

Presenting the report card for 2024/2025, the Regional Delegate of Secondary Education, Baijong Ezikiel, revealed that student enrollment climbed to 100,720, up from 82,695 the previous year. The number of candidates in end-of-course examinations also rose from 33,873 to 36,532, while functional schools increased from 281 to 339. These gains, he said, translated into a regional success rate of 75.7 percent, marking a 10-point jump from 65.6 percent in 2024.

       Cross Section of Participants.

Despite this growth, the region slipped in national rankings for the General Certificate of Education (GCE), with the Advanced Level dropping from second to third place and the Ordinary Level from second to fourth. Baijong described the outcome as “significant progress that can be improved upon,” pointing to advances in sports and inclusive education as bright spots. 

At the 2025 FENASSCO League A Games, the North West won 23 medals and eight fair play trophies, while schools such as GBHS Bamenda partnered with CBC Health Services to strengthen support for learners with impairments.

The report also laid bare persistent challenges. Authorities confirmed the loss of four students and 23 teachers during the year, alongside abductions and one school attack. Ghost town operations and lockdowns repeatedly disrupted school calendars. 

Internally, absenteeism among teachers, misuse of artificial intelligence by students, and weak supervision were flagged as obstacles. Baijong warned that tougher sanctions and surprise inspections would be implemented in the 2025/2026 academic year to curb malpractice.

Adolphe Lele Lafrique, North West Governor, Addressing Education Stakeholders.

Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique commended teachers and learners for their resilience, describing the region’s results as a testament to determination in difficult times. He called on parents to send their children back to schools in the region and pledged the administration’s support to address lingering security and logistical challenges.

“We are asking parents to stand by teachers and authorities so that education in the North West can continue to move forward,” the Governor said.

     Cross Section of Family Picture.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to consolidate progress, confront challenges, and ensure the new school year begins on a stronger footing.