Despite the delay in starting, the rehabilitation and construction project of technical high schools in Benin will be implemented by President Patrice Talon’s government.
Invited on Daabaaru TV this weekend, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, Deputy Secretary-General and government spokesperson, provided an update on the progress of the site, while reassuring about the upcoming implementation of the works.
At the heart of the educational policy, this extensive high school construction program aims to transform the country’s vocational training offer. It notably plans to create thirty agricultural technical high schools, vocational schools, and scientific high schools to significantly increase the share of students enrolled in these currently minority fields. The goal is to raise this rate to 70% in the coming years.
According to Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, funding is already secured. “No less than 400 billion CFA francs have been mobilized for this program,” he recalled, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the quality and durability of the infrastructures.
Another important reason for the delay in starting the works is the rigor applied in choosing companies. Several bidders were rejected for lack of credibility or experience. “We do not want to entrust these projects to companies without proven experience. This program must be exemplary,” insisted Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji.
Despite these obstacles, the government’s confidence remains intact. “The studies are completed, the markets have been launched, and the first sites will begin in 2025,” he assured.
He also reminded that the human aspect of the project, notably the training and supervision of future trainers, constitutes a major priority to support this educational transformation.