Benin – Technical Education: Anselme Amoussou Finds Reforms More Spectacular Than Realistic
Since the publication of decree n°2025-197 of April 23, 2025 concerning the standard statutes of public institutions of technical and vocational education and training, reactions have not diminished in the educational field. Among the most critical voices, that of the unionist Anselme Coovi Amoussou stands out for his thorough and uncompromising analysis.
Anselme Amoussou, secrétaire général de la CSA Bénin
In a forum, the general secretary of CSA-Benin believes that the decree, although ambitious on paper, has numerous structural weaknesses and reveals a reform carried out in a way too centralized and without real consultation.
According to Anselme Amoussou, the decree suffers from a fundamental methodological flaw. It would have been developed in a closed circle, without real consultation with teachers, school principals, unions, or technical partners.
“You don’t reform such a strategic sector by excluding those who carry it daily,” he emphasizes.
A governance that is too centralized
Among the initial criticisms made, the unionist condemns an excessive centralization of power. The Council of Ministers finds itself raised to the status of decision-making authority on internal administrative matters (appointments, budgets, strategic orientations), undermining the institutions’ autonomy.
Although educational, administrative, and financial autonomy is declared, the ministerial supervision remains very prevalent, through the departmental directions and multiple validation procedures.
Anselme Amoussou also points to the imbalance in the composition of administrative councils. In his opinion, state representatives are overrepresented, to the detriment of teachers, learners, and parents.