Yaound̩, Cameroon РNtumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin, a frontline militant of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and the party's National Legal Adviser, has issued a strong and uncompromising statement expressing grave concern over recent allegations and controversies surrounding the conduct of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations in Cameroon.
The respected legal practitioner and advocate for educational justice stated that he has closely followed recent developments relating to the management of the examinations and is deeply disturbed by reports that have raised serious questions about the credibility, confidentiality, integrity, and reliability of the examination process.
According to Barrister Ndangoh, the Cameroon GCE Board occupies a unique and historic place within the educational landscape of the country. He recalled the long struggles, sacrifices, and determined advocacy undertaken by English-speaking Cameroonians to establish an examination system that reflects the traditions, values, and standards of the Anglo-Saxon educational heritage.
“The GCE Board is not merely an administrative institution,” he emphasized. “It represents a hard-earned achievement born out of the legitimate aspirations of English-speaking Cameroonians who sought an examination system capable of preserving and promoting the educational standards they cherish.”
For decades, the Cameroon GCE Board has served as one of the country's most respected educational institutions, producing graduates who have distinguished themselves nationally and internationally. Thousands of young Cameroonians have relied on GCE qualifications as a gateway to higher education, employment, and professional advancement.
However, recent allegations of examination malpractice, question leakages, and security breaches have generated widespread concern among students, parents, teachers, and educational stakeholders.
Barrister Ndangoh expressed alarm that recurring controversies continue to damage the reputation of an institution that has played a critical role in shaping the future of generations of Cameroonian youths.
He noted with regret that despite its importance, the GCE Board still lacks the level of institutional independence enjoyed by examining bodies operating within established Anglo-Saxon educational systems around the world.
“The autonomy of an examination body is essential for transparency, accountability, and public confidence,” he stated. “Without adequate independence, it becomes difficult for such an institution to exercise full responsibility over the management and security of its examinations.”
The senior lawyer further highlighted what he described as a major structural weakness within the current system: the absence of dedicated and secure printing facilities under the direct control of the GCE Board.
According to him, the continued dependence on public facilities for the printing of highly confidential examination materials unnecessarily exposes sensitive documents to security risks and creates opportunities for breaches of confidentiality.
Educational experts have long maintained that secure examination printing and handling systems are fundamental requirements for preserving the integrity of national examinations. Barrister Ndangoh argues that the present arrangement falls short of international best practices and leaves the system vulnerable to irregularities.
He observed that persistent administrative and structural arrangements continue to undermine the distinct identity and operational autonomy of institutions established to serve the Anglo-Saxon educational subsystem in Cameroon.
“These weaknesses must be addressed urgently if confidence in the examination system is to be restored and preserved,” he warned.
CALLS FOR DECISIVE ACTION
In response to the growing concerns, Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin has proposed a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the GCE Board and safeguarding its future.
First, he strongly condemned all acts, omissions, and administrative shortcomings that may have contributed to the recent scandals affecting the credibility of the examinations.
Secondly, he called for a comprehensive, transparent, and independent investigation into all allegations of examination malpractice, question leakages, and security breaches. He insisted that any individual found responsible, regardless of status or position, should face appropriate sanctions.
The SDF legal adviser also called upon the Government of Cameroon to grant the GCE Board greater institutional independence in line with internationally recognized Anglo-Saxon educational standards and best practices.
A key component of his proposal is the establishment of modern, secure, and dedicated printing facilities under the exclusive control of the Board. Such infrastructure, he argues, would significantly reduce the risk of examination leakages and strengthen confidence in the examination process.
He further recommended urgent reforms designed to improve governance, accountability, operational efficiency, and security mechanisms within the institution.
Barrister Ndangoh stressed that the integrity of public examinations must never be compromised under any circumstances.
“When examination credibility is undermined, it is the future of students that suffers. Confidence in educational qualifications is weakened, and the international reputation of our educational system is damaged,” he declared.
He urged all stakeholders—including government authorities, education professionals, civil society organizations, parents, and students—to work collectively towards preserving and strengthening the credibility of the GCE examinations for present and future generations.
PROTECTING A HARD-WON INSTITUTION
Reaffirming his longstanding commitment to the protection and promotion of the Anglo-Saxon educational heritage in Cameroon, Barrister Ndangoh reiterated that the GCE Board remains one of the most important institutions ever established for the English-speaking educational subsystem.
He warned that continued neglect of the concerns being raised risks further eroding public confidence in the examination system and jeopardizing the academic and professional aspirations of thousands of young Cameroonians.
“The Cameroon GCE Board is a hard-won institution that must be protected, strengthened, and equipped with the autonomy and resources necessary to fulfill its mandate effectively and credibly,” he concluded.
As public debate continues over the future of educational standards and examination management in Cameroon, many observers believe that the issues raised by Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin deserve serious consideration. For countless students whose futures depend on the credibility of national examinations, the call for reform may be both timely and necessary.
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