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About Benin

Benin is a small country with a population estimated at just under 10 million in 2011. It is bordered by Togo to the west, by Nigeria to the east and by Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. Important economic and structural reforms, supported by the IMF and the World Bank, helped Benin sustain its economic growth rates over the last decade. Nevertheless, poverty is still widespread and the economy remains undiversified and vulnerable to external shocks.The national economy relies on the agriculture sector, in particular on cotton, transit and re-export trade. The agriculture sector accounts for about 32% of GDP and is the source of livelihood for nearly 70% of the country’s workforce. Cotton is the primary export commodity accounting for about 25 to 40% of official total exports. Re-export trade with Nigeria is estimated to represent approximately 20% of GDP and explains the vulnerability of the economy to trade policy changes in its neighboring and main trading partner.

Education in Benin

 The education system of Benin is based on French education model and runs as follows

  • Primary school: 6 years

  • Junior high school: 4 years

  • Senior high school: 3 years

  • Bachelor's degree: 3 years

  • Master's degree: 4 years

This means 13 years of school education is the minimum requirement when youth gets access to college for higher education. Education is compulsory for children 6 to 11 years old and the school education is free. The duration of primary schooling is 6 years. After primary schooling the student is promoted to Middle School of 4 year duration; like primary schools middle schools also teaches general academic syllabus. At the completion of middle schooling, students write brevet d’etudes du premier cycle, this makes equivalent of ‘O’ Level examination.

 

This means 13 years of school education is the minimum requirement when youth gets access to college for higher education. Education is compulsory for children 6 to 11 years old and the school education is free. The duration of primary schooling is 6 years. After primary schooling the student is promoted to Middle School of 4 year duration; like primary schools middle schools also teaches general academic syllabus. At the completion of middle schooling, students write brevet d’etudes du premier cycle, this makes equivalent of ‘O’ Level examination.

 

Senior high schools in Benin ask for certificate in O Level examination i.e. d’etudes du premier cycle for admission. The duration of senior high school is three years. After completion of senior high school students appear for baccalaureat examination; this makes basis to university entry. Also many students choose to join vocational schools; these schools train human resources for demand of urban cities in different skill areas. In vocational schools dual apprenticeship system is in practice where theoretical curriculum is replaced by apprenticeship training.

 

Reference: 

 

"Benin Overview" http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/benin/overview WorldBank, 26 February 2014

"Education Fact" http://www.benineducation.info/profile Benin Education, 26 February 2014

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