Chad’s national examination board, the Direction Nationale des Examens et Concours (DNEC), officially launched registration for the 2026 Brevet d’Enseignement Fondamental (BEF) – the fundamental education diploma – on . The launch, which began in N’Djamena, aims to improve the management of candidate numbers and secure the integrity of the examination process.
The initiative was inaugurated by Vaïbra Nicolas, Secretary General of the Ministry of National Education and Civic Promotion, at the Félix Eboué High School. According to a statement released by MRTV Chad, the move follows a pilot program implemented last year. The DNEC intends to use biometric enrollment to accurately identify the number of candidates and safeguard the validity of the diplomas awarded.
Beyond the capital, registration efforts are underway in the Logone Oriental province. An DNEC team recently concluded an enrollment drive in Doba, the provincial capital, registering 6,675 candidates across 47 examination centers. Nassir Mahamat Saleh, a DNEC official leading the team for both Logone provinces, emphasized that the biometric enrollment system is a key innovation designed to enhance the credibility of national examinations. The provincial delegate of National Education and Civic Promotion, Liguidam Djoïgué Robert, urged candidates to comply with biometric procedures to ensure a smooth registration process.
The BEF is a crucial step in Chad’s education system, marking the completion of fundamental education. While the country continues to grapple with significant developmental challenges, including a large refugee population – with over 1.5 million refugees reported by UNHCR as of – and internally displaced persons numbering over 219,000 as of , the government’s focus on improving educational infrastructure and examination processes signals a commitment to long-term human capital development.
Chad’s education system is undergoing a transition. As of the 2006-2007 academic year, the Université de N’Djaména began adopting the Licence-Master-Doctor (LMD) system, a framework aligned with European higher education standards. This modernization effort aims to improve the quality and international recognition of Chadian degrees.
The emphasis on biometric data collection for the BEF exam reflects a broader trend towards leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and security of public services in Chad. While the country’s technological infrastructure remains relatively underdeveloped, initiatives like this demonstrate a growing awareness of the potential benefits of digital solutions. The successful implementation of the biometric system will be a key indicator of the government’s ability to effectively utilize technology to address challenges in the education sector.
The scale of the BEF registration – with over 6,600 students enrolled in Logone Oriental province alone – highlights the demand for education in Chad, despite the economic and logistical hurdles. The government’s efforts to streamline the examination process and ensure the validity of diplomas are essential for maintaining the integrity of the education system and providing students with recognized qualifications. The focus on accurate candidate numbers also has implications for resource allocation, allowing the Ministry of Education to better plan for the provision of examination materials and personnel.
The launch of the BEF registration process comes at a time when Chad is facing complex humanitarian and economic challenges. The country hosts a significant number of Sudanese refugees, and the UNHCR data portal indicates ongoing concerns regarding their protection and well-being. Investing in education, and ensuring the integrity of the examination system, is therefore crucial for building a stable and prosperous future for Chad’s youth, and for mitigating the long-term consequences of displacement and instability.
