Powers Devolved To Regions In Secondary Education : Practical Modalities Outlined By Presidential Decree

A Presidential decree signed by the Head of State, Paul Biya, on April 27, 2023 lays down conditions governing the exercise of some powers devolved by the State upon regions in the area of secondary education. Comprising ten chapters and 23 Articles, the decree outlines various powers that shall be devolved by the State, and how they shall be transferred. A total of seven competences are stated in the decree and they include; participation in the preparation and implementation of the national school map in regions; the construction, extension, equipping, maintenance and upkeep of secondary and high schools in regions; the recruitment and payment of support staff of the said establishments, according to available budgetary resources, the purchase of school equipment and supplies, the distribution and award of scholarships and grants in secondary and high schools, and support for council actions in the area of primary and nursery education. 
Regions, the decree specifies, shall participate in the preparation and implementation of the national school map at the regional level through; opinions on the creation, upgrading and extension of secondary and high schools, as well as on the development, updating or implementation of the school map, proposal to update, modify or amend the school map in regions, and the expression of teaching staff needs at the regional level. As concerns the construction, extension, equipping, maintenance, and upkeep of secondary and high schools in regions, the regions shall ensure the installation and development of functional water and electricity supply facilities, the creation of school gardens and canteens, the provision of educational facilities with furniture and equipment, and the implementation of all necessary measures to ensure safety, hygiene and sanitation in schools, amongst others. 
Concerning the recruitment and paym...