The Minister of Basic Education, Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, issued a firm press release on November 9, 2026, reminding school heads and the public of the official examination registration costs.
Fees are strictly capped at 6,000 CFA francs for each of the primary level examinations: the Primary School Leaving Certificate – CEP, the First School Leaving Certificate – FSLC, and the Common Entrance Examination – CEE. Grounded in Article 8, paragraph 2 of the decision dated September 30, 2026 which outlines the schedule and registration guidelines for the 2027 examination session, this directive reaffirms the government’s commitment to standardized, accessible education across all primary institutions.
To provide total transparency, the Ministry detailed the official breakdown of the 6,000 CFA franc fee. The total comprises 2,500 CFA francs for core examination fees, 1,400 CFA francs allocated to the examination organization support fund, 1,500 CFA francs for the tax stamp, 500 CFA francs for the municipal stamp, and 100 CFA francs dedicated to online registration processing. By publishing these specifics, the ministry leaves no room for ambiguity regarding where parents’ money goes and what official charges entail.
This clear reminder arrives against a backdrop of growing public outcry from parents denouncing exorbitant, unauthorized price hikes in several schools.
According to recent reports and testimonies, various school officials have been arbitrarily demanding between 16,000 and 25,000 CFA francs to register pupils for these official exams.
Parents who attempt to resist these inflated demands report being met with ultimatums, often told they must handle their children’s registration independently if they refuse to pay the extra fees.
In response to these predatory practices, Minister Etoundi Ngoa issued a stern warning to all administrative offenders. He emphasized that collecting any extra charges beyond the official breakdown will subject perpetrators, regardless of their status or position, to severe administrative penalties under existing regulations, alongside potential legal proceedings.
The government remains clear that no school leadership operates above established educational laws.
Ultimately, publicizing these regulatory boundaries is a crucial step toward protecting families from financial exploitation during critical academic milestones. Stronger community reporting and vigilant enforcement are necessary to ensure that unscrupulous school officials comply with state regulations.
Upholding these statutory fee limits guarantees that all parents can register their children for primary examinations equitably and without undue financial strain.
