05/12/2025
2025 BUDGETARY PARLIAMENTARY SESSION
595 Billion FCFA for Smart, Safe and Skilled Schools Nalova Lyonga Leads the Charge
The Minister of Secondary Education, Prof. Nalova Lyonga Pauline, has successfully defended and secured approval for a 595.23 billion FCFA budget for the 2026 fiscal year, following a comprehensive presentation before the Finance and Budget Committee of the National Assembly.
The budget which represents an increase of 12 billion FCFA compared to 2025 was validated after the Minister detailed an ambitious performance project centred on digital transformation, safe learning environments, professionalisation of secondary education, and strengthened governance.
Digitalisation, Safe Schools and Professionalisation at the Heart of the 2026 Vision
Presenting the 2026 Performance Project, Prof. Lyonga reaffirmed that the Ministry’s strategic orientation aligns with the National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30), particularly its second pillar on human capital development. She underscored MINESEC’s responsibility to build a system capable of producing bilingual, competent and socially integrated young graduates.
The approved budget will drive four major programmes:
1. Programme 270: Strengthening equitable and inclusive access to secondary education
2. Programme 271: Improving the quality of education and school life
3. Programme 272: Intensifying professionalisation and optimising training
4. Programme 273: Enhancing governance and institutional support
MPs Applaud Strong Performance in 2025
Before defending the 2026 budget, Prof. Lyonga presented a detailed assessment of the Ministry’s performance in 2025. Lawmakers praised several key achievements:
1. Massive progress in digitalisation
• The unique student registration number system continued to eliminate ghost students and clandestine schools.
• 350 schools piloted digital whiteboards as Cameroon moves towards smart classrooms.
• The Distance Learning Centre produced 4,972 digital lessons, improving access in hard-to-reach areas.
2. Safe School reforms intensified
• National campaigns against drugs and deviant behaviour were strengthened.
• 22,884 school kits and 1,040 bicycles were distributed to vulnerable learners.
• The dropout rate decreased from 8.09% to 5.02%.
3. Professionalisation aligned with SND30
• New technical high schools progressed in Lagdo, Yagoua, Ekounou, Ombe and Akwa-Douala.
• 62 new industrial technology specialities were introduced.
• Micro-enterprise incubators and structured internships strengthened entrepreneurial skills.
4. Governance and accountability improved
• 154 clandestine private schools were shut down.
• 100% of salary anomalies were corrected following audits.
• Over 90% ex*****on rate of procurement plans was recorded.
2026 Budget Breakdown
The approved 595.23 billion FCFA budget is allocated as follows:
• Investment: 21.91 billion FCFA
• Operation: 573.32 billion FCFA, including 508.7 billion FCFA for salaries
The 12 billion FCFA increase will finance:
• Settlement of teacher career benefits (7.3 billion FCFA)
• Additional transfers to regions (650 million FCFA)
• Completion of major school infrastructure projects (2.6 billion FCFA)
• Counterpart funding for PADESCE (1 billion FCFA)
Major Actions Approved for 2026
Programme 270 – Access & Equity (145.2B FCFA)
• Continued construction and rehabilitation of secondary schools across regions
• 5 billion FCFA in subventions to private institutions
• Completion of workshop projects in Datcheka and Makandaia
Programme 271 – Quality Education (252.7B FCFA)
• Organisation of official examinations
• Revised syllabi under the Competency-Based Approach
• Intensified teacher supervision and digital lesson production
• Expansion of Safe School programmes and anti-drug campaigns
• Promotion of FENASSCO Games and bilingualism
Programme 272 – Professionalisation (141.75B FCFA)
• Completion of major technical and vocational schools
• Reinforcement of micro-enterprise incubators
• Creation of new syllabi for industrial and tertiary specialities
• Open Business Days and school entrepreneurship programmes
Programme 273 – Governance & Institutional Support (55.53B FCFA)
• Intensified internal audit and anti-corruption missions
• Purchase of official vehicles and equipment for Regional Delegations
• Strengthening digital infrastructure, coordination and planning tools
A Budget Focused on Results
Parliamentarians commended Prof. Lyonga for a results-oriented approach that blends innovation, infrastructure development, transparency, and strong crisis responsiveness.
With the budget now approved, MINESEC is expected to accelerate its transition toward digital classrooms, reinforce equity in access to education, and modernise technical and vocational training to match Cameroon’s economic ambitions.
Prof. Lyonga reaffirmed her commitment:
“This budget is a tool to build the future. We remain focused on quality, innovation, and accountability to give every child an equal chance to succeed.”