Education: gov’t dialogues with teachers to find lasting solutions

The gathering was aimed at addressing issues affecting teachers and the larger educational sector.

The Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo, along with eight government ministers and presidents of education trade unions, held a constructive dialogue session to identify common ground and explore potential solutions to the pressing issues affecting teachers and the education system in Cameroon.

The session, which took place on March 26 at the National Advanced School of Engineering in Yaoundé, was held under the high instructions of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya. Chaired by the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, and Chancellor of the Academic Orders, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo, the meeting focused on open communication, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving.

The dialogue aimed to address the demands put forth by teachers’ unions and submitted to the Head of State. According to reports from the session, 12 key points were on the agenda, with about five already examined. Among the major concerns discussed was the debt of over 156 billion CFA francs owed to teachers by the state, of which more than 148 billion has already been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of over 8 billion.

Other critical issues include the implementation of a special opportunity for teachers, the establishment of a specific status for the profession, and the organization of a National Education Forum. Prof Fame Ndongo, was accompanied by the Ministers of Secondary Education, Labor and Social Security, Employment and Vocational Training, and Public Service and Administrative Reforms. Also present was the Secretary of State to the Minister of Basic Education, Yannick Ayagma.

A crucial point still to be examined is the full-week strike action announced to commence on April 21, 2025. Teachers have long voiced grievances over inadequate working conditions, including overcrowded classrooms, low salaries, and insufficient teaching materials, which significantly impact the quality of education.

Teachers’ trade unions emphasize the necessity of structural and functional improvements within the education sector. Representatives, including Njoya Dalatu from the teachers’ movement, have highlighted the urgency of holding the National Education Forum and ensuring the signing and implementation of the teachers’ special status. Their demands also extend to processing thousands of teachers’ files, paying housing allowances, and addressing other fundamental concerns.

Moreover, the teachers’ trade unions stress that their grievances represent both the public and private education sectors. They have conducted surveys to gather input from teachers across the country, reinforcing the collective nature of their demands. For them, the holding of a national forum is an essential step toward enhancing the living and working conditions of teachers, which, in turn, will contribute to a more efficient and high-performing education system in Cameroon.

As discussions continue, stakeholders remain hopeful that this constructive dialogue will lead to tangible resolutions and long-term reforms that will benefit both educators and students across the nation.