Dr. Nalionge Maxmillianus Ewoko, College Principal and seasoned Educationist, has celebrated the tenure of Prof. Nalova Lyonga as Minister of Secondary Education, terming it a transparent, transformative and quality-oriented era. He spoke to THE SUN in this indepth, knowledge-filled and interesting chat. Read and explore!!
As we begin, how do you observe the current secondary education era headed by Prof Pauline Nalova Lyonga?
Thank you very much. Public debates on education often oscillate between praise and condemnation. Yet, as philosophy teaches us, justice requires balance: to recognize achievements without denying imperfections, and to critique weaknesses without erasing progress. In the current discussions surrounding the 2026 budget proposal, it becomes necessary to reflect objectively on the stewardship of Prof. Nalova Lyonga. Many commentators have rushed to highlight the moral and behavioural crises among learners; issues that indeed demand concern. But these challenges did not emerge with her tenure; they are manifestations of a broader societal crisis. What is intellectually dishonest is to highlight only the symptoms while ignoring the significant reforms she has undertaken.
Lets talk about the aspects of transparency and merit under Prof Nalova’s leadership. What can you say about that?
One of Prof. Lyonga’s most remarkable contributions, often overlooked, is the increasing transparency in appointments, promotions (gender-based where there were lapses, and aged-bases where youths couldn’t access), and transfers. For the first time in decades, many teachers and administrators attest to a system where decisions are:
– Less dependent on personal connections,
– Less driven by exploitation or informal “gatekeepers,”
– More reflective of professional merit, talents, seniority, and service.
This shift alone is a quiet revolution. A just education system cannot be built on favoritism; it must rest on recognition of competence, a principle deeply rooted in the moral philosophies of Plato and Confucius. By promoting administrative fairness, she has strengthened the ethical foundations of MINESEC.
In terms of digitalisation and pedagogy, how much transformation has been witnessed this far?
Prof. Lyonga’s tenure has been marked by bold reforms:
-The Distance Learning Programme, introduced and consolidated during her leadership, remains one of the most impactful educational innovations of the last decade.
– Her firm insistence on the Competency-Based Approach (CBA) has modernized pedagogy, moving classrooms away from mere memorization to problem-solving, creativity, and active learning.
– She has promoted digital registration, online exam monitoring, and a culture of educational innovation that aligns with global trends.
These are structural reforms that will outlive her, shaping Cameroon’s educational future for years.
In terms of quality assurance and examination integrity, what has been the story?
Under her administration:
– Examination boards have been empowered to continue fighting fraud in one way or another.
– Registration systems have become more digitalized and secure, and the UIN, though it’s quintessence is still to be perceived by some, but others who have seen into the future can testify of what it is going to solve (Students not writing GCE in F4 and LS, having a unified results system that could be verifiable after years, etc).
– Quality assurance units are more active, and school inspections have been reinvigorated.
Philosophically, this aligns with the principle that – education loses its meaning when evaluation loses integrity.
Lets talk about administrative discipline and ethical standards being implemented by Prof Nalova Lyonga. What have you noticed?
Prof. Lyonga has insisted on:
– Respect for hierarchy,
– Proper documentation in schools and of schools to operate legally,
– Improved teacher punctuality,
– Reduction of financial leakages.
Though unpopular to some, and with much to be done, these measures reflect a moral commitment to organizational ethics. Social progress requires structure, not sentiment.
In this era of digitalisation, how do the rural and interior zones fit in?
While digital lessons have transformed urban and semi-urban learning, the rural-urban digital divide remains real. Here is where a philosophical vision for the future becomes necessary. As part of “educational therapy,” MINESEC can invest in: Talking Books / Interactive Audio Lessons
– Solar-powered audio devices
– Preloaded with lessons across subjects
– In English, French, and relevant local languages
– Durable, offline, and usable in remote villages without electricity or internet
This innovation (used successfully in parts of Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Liberia) can complement distance learning and push educational equity deeper into the country’s interior. It aligns with Prof. Lyonga’s spirit of modernization while answering one of the system’s persistent weaknesses.
Nonetheless the Minister has faced certain challenges in the implementation of her initiatives. What are some of them?
It is true that schools continue to contend with: -indiscipline, early pregnancies, drug abuse, youth delinquency. But these crises are not solely products of ministerial reforms that intended for good purpose though in a continent plagued by juvenile ills. They reflect deeper fractures in parenting, economic hardship, social media influence, community disengagement, and moral decay. The minister cannot be held solely responsible for the moral health of society. A philosophical reading reminds us: The school is a mirror of the society that surrounds it. Where further improvement is needed:
– In relation with other related ministerial departments, units for parent accountability and booking be created for poor parenting
– More psychologists and guidance counselors,
– Moral and civic reinforcement programs,
– Sustained teacher training,
– Empower Private School teachers and Administrators with more job security moves
– Continued digital equity,
– Expanded infrastructure,
– Community-school collaboration.
As we close this interview, what summary do you make of Prof Nalova Lyonga’s tenure at the helm of the Ministry of Secondary Education thus far?
When weighed against the realities she inherited, Prof. Nalova Lyonga stands out as one of the most reform-oriented and transformative Ministers of Secondary Education Cameroon has had in recent memory. She has modernized administrative culture, digitalized learning, strengthened evaluations, professionalized appointments, and laid foundations that future generations will build upon. Thus:
- Unique matriculation to combat fraud in all its ramifications.
- Clean school policy.
- Inclusive education- leaving no child by the side because of his/her disability, for disability is not inability. Et al.
These are true reflections of her unfathomable contributions in the educational system. No system is perfect. But fairness demands that we acknowledge progress even as we demand improvement. The responsible citizen critiques with truth, not bitterness; and praises with justice, not blind loyalty. Prof. Lyonga’s tenure reflects this duality: substantial achievements matched with areas for collective therapy. And that, philosophically, is the mark of genuine leadership.
Thank you very much for having us
You are welcome.