The 2024/2025 academic year kicked off on September 9, 2024, in Boyo Division, where teachers, students, and pupils defied separatist calls for a boycott. Remarkably, attendance was strong across all four subdivisions despite the ongoing tensions in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.
Kiyong Simon, the Divisional Delegate of Secondary Education, reported an impressive turnout of 930 students in 33 public, lay private, and mission schools. Additionally, 58 of 108 administrative staff and 104 of 254 teaching staff were present, 802 lessons were supposed to be taught all over the Division on day one of school resumption but only 294 lessons were taught, making 36.6% taught on day one of the school resumption.
Pupils effectively attending classes
In the primary sector, more than 2,000 pupils registered, with 253 in nursery classes and 2,147 in primary grades. According to Mbah Richard, the Divisional Delegate of Basic Education, Boyo Division features 230 public and 127 non-public schools, totaling 357 primary and nursery institutions. However, only 34 public schools and 22 non-public schools are currently operational, resulting in 56 schools functioning amid ongoing challenges.
On September 10, the Senior Divisional Officer for Boyo, Saidou Moussa visited local schools alongside Mayor Awoh Ndang Denis and other educational officials to assess the situation. During his visit, he commended the substantial turnout, which he attributed to the efforts of the Boyo Administration in fostering community engagement and mobilization.
"The turnout we witnessed is a testament to the resilience and commitment of everyone involved in education in Boyo Division," he remarked. He also warned teachers who might still be hesitant to return, stating that non-compliance would lead to serious consequences. Safety measures, referred to as "green zones," have been established to protect teachers as they resume their duties, and he urged students who have yet to return to join their peers.
Despite a somewhat lower attendance in Fundong subdivision due to the separatist boycott call, Mayor Awoh Ndang Denis remains hopeful for gradual improvement. He encouraged students still at home to return to school promptly, reminding them that teachers would not accommodate latecomers. The community of Boyo has shown its determination to prioritize education by reopening schools for the 2024/2025 academic year.
By
Munya Charles Babila
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