Ioba: High Commissioner Innocents Ouattara has called upon candidates of the 2026 baccalaureate exams to maintain discipline and integrity during the examination period to prevent any issues. The official launch of the exams took place on Tuesday, June 23, at the Ioba Provincial High School.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was attended by various administrative and educational authorities, along with defense and security forces. High Commissioner Ouattara toured the examination halls to motivate the 1,109 candidates participating in the exams within his jurisdiction.

During his address, Ouattara emphasized the importance of honesty and self-reliance, stating, "We are here this morning to give you confidence. Be disciplined and do not try to cheat to avoid any unpleasantness. Trust your own knowledge and you will pass this exam. We will all see each other again at the mandatory patriotic immersion, I am sure of it. I hope that our province will be the best this year."

Ouattara also took part in the opening of the exam envelopes, unveiling the philosophy exam for the A4 series and the French exam for the D series. Of the 1,123 registered candidates in Ioba province, 1,109 were present for the exams, consisting of 640 boys and 469 girls. These candidates were distributed across five examination boards, including Dano Municipal High School and Ioba Provincial High School, among others.

Joseph Kima, the provincial director of secondary, vocational, and technical education, confirmed that the exams commenced without any disruptions. The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to all involved in ensuring the smooth execution of the baccalaureate exams, acknowledging the efforts of those in education, health, and security sectors.

In a compassionate gesture, Ouattara assisted a young nanny to comfort the child of a candidate who was distressed during the proceedings at the Ioba Provincial High School.