By Noela EBOB BISONG
In a recent press release, the Minister of Secondary Education, Prof Nalova Lyonga informed the general public, parents, teachers, and students that a series of catch-up lessons are being organised by the Distance Learning Centre.
The Minister emphasised that, ‘‘this initiative aims to ensure that all secondary school students across the country achieve parity in teaching coverage and are prepared adequately for their academic progression despite recent interruptions.’’
She said the catch-up programme organised and overseen by the Distance Learníng Centre began last November 10, 2025 and will focus on core subjects for both the General and Technical Education streams.
Prof Nalova Lyonga
The Secondary Education boss instructed ‘‘Regional Delegates, principals and teachers to collaborate fully with the Distance Learning Centre to facilitate the effective implementation of this program’’.
Following the ministerial press release, the Regional Delegate of Secondary Education for the South West, Dr Njie Martin Esongo, when contacted by The SUN, elaborated the various measures put in place at the level of the Region to close the educational gap.
Two Regional Service notes which emanated from Regional Coordination meetings with Sub Directors, Coordinating Inspectors and Divisional Delegates, centered on mandatory participation in online lessons as well as implementation of strategies to mitigate academic learning gaps. Amongst several steps taken are; supplementary instructions, internal consultation, leveraging digital resources etc.
The Regional Delegate has also instructed his Divisional delegates and school principals to amongst others ensure that “online lessons are integrated into the schools’ academic planning and that teachers provide appropriate follow-up and reinforcement.”
In his reaction to The SUN, the principal of Government Technical High School GTHS Bimbia, Arthor Ekema revealed, “the duration of lessons have been extended from 50 minutes to one hour, hence extending the closing period by one hour daily.” He further reveals the organisation of Saturday classes for examination students.