In a school in Senegal, a group of five-year-olds responded in unison, “Good morning, teacher!” as part of a new educational initiative that introduces English alongside the official language of French. This new approach to language learning is part of an ongoing shift in the country’s educational system. The government has emphasized the need for careful analysis of such reforms, acknowledging their national significance. “This is a national issue, and before one should make a comment, one should be able to analyse it,” said an education official. The final decisions will be made following consultations and careful deliberations in the coming days.

The introduction of English as a compulsory language alongside French aims to modernize the country’s education system and better equip students for global opportunities. The official stated that more discussions were needed before making public remarks, but confirmed that the government was dedicated to evaluating the proposal thoroughly. “By tomorrow, I’ll be in the office. We will put our heads together, and then I’ll have the opportunity to make comments,” the official said, indicating that a more comprehensive response would follow the internal review.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Haruna Danjuma, has voiced support for a different but related educational reform proposal. He praised the government’s plan to create a seamless educational structure by combining junior and senior secondary school into a continuous nine-year program. Danjuma believes this change will help reduce student dropout rates and improve skill acquisition. “Once you start JS1, you continue until you complete SS3, and at the end, you will obtain a certificate for 12 years of basic education,” he explained, highlighting the benefits of a unified system.

Danjuma also emphasized that the new curriculum would include vocational skills starting from primary four, preparing students for practical careers alongside traditional education. “In basic education, it’s expected that students will start learning practical skills, either in electricity or computer education, from class four onward,” he said. This emphasis on practical skills, alongside academic learning, is designed to equip students for both higher education and career paths, ensuring a more well-rounded and capable generation.