OUAGADOUGOU — Minister Jacques Sosthène Dingara, in charge of National Education in Burkina Faso, acknowledged the improvement in national exam success rates in 2024 but stressed that they still fall short of the government’s educational aspirations. The announcement comes amid various challenges faced by the education system, including security concerns and logistical issues during exam administration.

According to Burkina Information Agency, there has been a notable increase in pass rates across all major examinations: the CEP saw an increase from 71.48% in 2023 to 82.16% in 2024, the BEPC rose from 38.27% to 47.19%, and the baccalaureate improved from 39.34% to 52.61%, with results from a replacement session pending in September. “The results obtained in a very difficult security context are certainly comforting, but remain insufficient in view of the ambitions harbored by the Burkinabè education system,” stated Dingara.

Despite the positive trends, the minister highlighted concerns over the BEP and CAP exams, where success rates declined from 75.57% in 2023 to 68.73% in 2024. This regression was attributed to an increasing number of candidates entering technical fields and the challenges posed by a higher incidence of exam fraud. Actions have been taken against fraudulent candidates, with some already facing trials and convictions.

Dingara also discussed various operational hurdles faced during the exams, including security threats, delays in the distribution of summons, and difficulties related to the new Integrated Examination and Competition Management System (SIGEC) software. These challenges were reportedly addressed through concerted efforts by all stakeholders involved, including military and civilian personnel.

The Minister concluded his remarks by emphasizing that improving the quality and credibility of examinations is an ongoing priority for his department, signaling continued reforms in Burkina Faso’s education sector.