Ouagadougou: The province of Sissili has recorded overall results with a strong increase for the 2026 school examination session. While primary schools show a success rate of 92.9% in the Primary School Certificate (CEP), secondary schools stand out with a historic rate of 55.45% in the BEPC and a first place regionally in the Baccalaureate.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Provincial Director of Preschool, Primary and Non-Formal Education (DPEPPNF) for Sissili, Soungalo Traor, reported that the province, which has seven Basic Education Districts (CEB), has made considerable progress. Of the 5,697 candidates registered for the CEP (Primary School Leaving Certificate), 5,766 were present, resulting in an overall pass rate of 92.9%, an increase of more than 6 percentage points compared to the 2025 session (86%).

The Nbilianayou CEB (Basic Education Center) achieved the highest pass rate with 97%. Conversely, declines were noted in Boura and Niabouri, the latter falling to 89% compared to 99% the previous year, due to disruptions related to the temporary closure and reopening of some schools. "From a security standpoint, the exam took place calmly, peacefully, and according to schedule," said Camarade Traor.

The DPEPPNF, however, highlighted ongoing challenges related to student retention. These include gold panning, which causes a growing dropout rate at the end of the year; forced marriages, which lead to the early withdrawal of girls from the school system; and agricultural work, the impact of which remains manageable during the week of exams.

In the field of Non-Formal Education and Literacy (NFE), the province recorded an overall success rate of 80.38%. Soungalo Traor welcomed the government reform that now gives the final certificate the status of a diploma, while deploring the province's lack of literacy centers compared to the rest of the region.

For the upcoming school year, the DPEPPNF is counting on the continuation of follow-up visits, the strengthening of the "educational cafes" initiative and the acceleration of the introduction to professions.

At the secondary level, the Provincial Director of Secondary Education and Vocational and Technical Training (DPESFPT), Lawabien Serge To, expressed "great satisfaction" with the results of the BEPC and baccalaureate exams, which took place without major incident.

Indeed, the province achieved a historic success rate of 55.45% in the BEPC. In the Baccalaureate, Sissili maintains its leading position among the four provinces of the Nando region with an overall rate of 73.56%, including 88.46% in the A4-Philosophy series and 57.62% in the D series.

The Lo Municipal High School established itself as the "record holder" of the session with scores ranging between 80% and 100%. The communes of Lo, Nbilianayou, To, Biha, and Silly particularly distinguished themselves, while some establishments in Boura and those in the commune of Niabouri posted results deemed "skeletal".

Analyzing the reforms, Lawabien Serge To highlighted the effects of leveling the BEPC (Brevet d'tudes du Premier Cycle) exam coefficients. "Since the coefficients are now practically equal, it has become very difficult to make up for a significant deficit in the second round. Nearly half of those who passed the written portion were left without a place. The message is clear for the future: you must pass the BEPC on the first attempt."

Regarding the Competency-Based Approach (CBA) introduced at the Bachelor's level, the provincial director notes that it is beginning to bear fruit by evaluating concrete skills rather than subjective theory.

Despite these reasons for satisfaction, the educational community remains concerned. Soungalo Traor pointed out that Sissili still lags behind other provinces in the region in terms of early school leaving, calling on parents, teachers, and community leaders to take action.

For his part, Lawabien Serge To congratulated the entire teaching staff and encouraged the unsuccessful candidates not to give up. Addressing the new graduates, he reminded them of their civic duty. "Those who passed must prepare for the mandatory patriotic immersion program (IPO), which will begin on July 27 and end on August 26, 2026."

"It is Burkina Faso that wins when Sissili helps its children succeed," concluded the DPESFPT.