In Benin, the CNE wants to enhance the attractiveness of scientific and technological fields.

The session brought together representatives from the government, technical and financial partners, the CNE, and civil society. Over three days, participants examined the challenges that still limit access to and the attractiveness of scientific and technological disciplines in Benin.

Discussions highlighted several obstacles: the lack of suitable infrastructure, insufficient or inadequate teacher training, weak cooperation between institutions, businesses, and research centers, as well as the sometimes negative perception of these fields among students and families.

At the end of the workshop sessions, participants proposed the creation of institutional mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation. Incentive measures for students and families were also discussed to support orientation towards science and technology.

Partnerships with Businesses and Research Centers

The recommendations specifically envisage the establishment of sustainable partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, and research centers. The goal is to align training with labor market needs and promote better awareness of the opportunities offered by scientific and technological disciplines.

Participants also recommended developing local governance programs dedicated to school orientation. These measures should enable greater involvement of local actors in supporting students and promoting the relevant fields.

Strengthening initial and ongoing teacher training is also among the priorities identified. The discussions finally recommend establishing impact evaluation systems to measure the results of actions taken and to adjust educational policies based on available data.

The CNE Promises to Monitor the Implementation of Recommendations

At the closing, the president of the CNE, Noël Ahonangnon Gbaguidi, praised the quality and direct nature of the discussions, while stressing that they took place in a courteous atmosphere. He believed that participants were able to examine all the agenda items and derive relevant recommendations.

“I commit to ensuring that they are executed to the extent of my powers,” said the CNE president regarding the adopted recommendations.

Noël Ahonangnon Gbaguidi also presented as the main achievement of the session the collective awareness of the importance of scientific and technological fields for the development of Benin. He called for maintaining and intensifying the efforts already made in this area.