Assane Mbengue, a school inspector in Tambacounda, attributes the decline in academic performance in the region to a shortage of teachers and the lack of experience of young recruits. In an interview with the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), he detailed the reasons for this situation.

"This year, we are seeing a drop in results for the general baccalaureate and the Elementary School Leaving Certificate (CFEE), although the differences compared to last year are not very significant," he said. According to figures from the academy inspectorate, the success rate for the general baccalaureate fell from 44.49% in 2024 to 42.34% in 2025, and that for the technical baccalaureate from 95.71% to 86.42%. The CFEE shows a success rate of 63.56% in 2025, compared to 64.05% in 2024. On the other hand, the Brevet de fin d'études moyennes (BFEM) progresses slightly, with a success rate of 89.55% in 2025 compared to 87.52% in 2024. The sixth-grade entrance exam increases from 79.54% in 2024 to 80.83% in 2025.

Mr. Mbengue identifies the shortage of teachers as the main factor behind this decline: "Many classes only start three months after the start of the school year, which negatively impacts students' studies." He also highlights the lack of experience among young teachers: "In Tambacounda, we often receive teachers who have just left training schools, without much experience, which may explain some of the poor academic performance."

"These are the elements we must focus on to boost academic performance in the Tambacounda academy," he concluded, calling for efforts to address the teacher shortage and strengthen their training.