Ivory Coast high school rule - 17th October 2022

The government in the Ivory Coast has brought back a rule from the 1970s for high school students. Unless students score 8.5 or higher in their exams, they won't be allowed to continue high school. The government hopes the rule will force students to study harder.

Students at Pierre Amondji College have different opinions about the rule. Many believe this will result in smaller class sizes, while others fear teachers will abuse the power this gives them.

Parents have different opinions as well. Some believe that less crowded and chaotic classes will mean their children will get more attention from teachers.

Other parents are against the rule, one asked "What are we going to do with the students who will be excluded? It's too drastic."

However, the government has said there are plans for students who fail exams. They'll be allowed to attend vocational school where they can learn a trade like welding or become an electrician.

The country faces another major problem with a shortage of teachers, which has resulted in overcrowded classrooms of up to 70 students. In other places, this has caused the school year to be cut short.

Claude Kadio Aka said "We must not leave anybody aside." He added that "All our children are useful in the development of the country."