Overview of the General Education System

With the arrival of French colonizers in the late 19th century, formal education was introduced in Benin. During this period, only the elite had access to schooling. Educational programs reflected Western models informed by European history as well as Christian doctrine in French. Meanwhile most indigenous customs, beliefs and languages were left out in great numbers—with the result that over time Benin's culture itself has been steadily eroded. Then in 1960 upon declaring independence, the government realized the importance of education to a nation, and made it their first priority. In this connection, they set two aims: to make education available to as many people as possible and to change the structure of that system still under colonialist influence. They sought thereby to restore the value of traditional knowledge systems and cultural identity, along with linguistic diversity, within a national framework for learning. Because of scarce resources, the pace of progress was slow. When a new Marxist-Leninist regime headed by Mathieu Kereku took power in 1972, it brought about substantial change. Education was put under tight government control and made to reflect socialist values. However, by 1989 these efforts had led only to an education system that is non-functional and inefficiently funded.

The recovery of education in Benin began in 1990 with the national conference on Education known as Etats Généraux de l'Éducation. The rehabilitation saw inclusion of the three priorities for education — universal access, gender equality, and decentralization—which laid the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient education system. Enrollment increased dramatically as reforms set in and communities actively embraced new learning opportunities. Meanwhile, Benin's national education structure became more liberal and resilient. Education in Benin is now mandatory and free for children between the ages of 6 and 11.

Benin's linguistic landscape is a product of its colonial past and the ethnic diversity there. French was made the nation's official language after independence as a means to bring about national unity among its many ethnic groups.

Benin's education system is managed through its specialized ministries with responsibility for different levels of education and functions within the national educational framework The Ministère des Enseignements Maternel et Primaire (Ministry of Preschool and Primary Education) is responsible for nursery and primary education. The Ministère de l'Enseignement Secondaire de la Formation Technique et Professionelle (Ministry of Secondary, Technical, and Vocational Education takes in secondary, technical and vocational schools; its job is to arrange for these students to continue their professional studies or enter employment. The Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research) regulates tertiary education, such as universities, accreditation, and policy. These Ministries had common responsibilities to provide quality education in Benin. This included policy implementation, curriculum development, oversight of teachers and buildings and other infrastructure.

Benin follows the 6-4-3-3-4 system of education. Children 3 to 5 can start preschool, but it’s not required. This is the stage where children's cognitive and social development is developed. Children start primary education at the age of 6 and a free and compulsory education has been recently put in place by the reformed education system of Benin. Upon the satisfactory conclusion of the 6-year primary education, children are awarded the Certificat d'Études Primaires. This gives them junior secondary education, which is 4 years, preparing them for a higher level of academic lecture. This stage culminates in the Brevet d’Études du Premier Cycle (BEPC). Students then move on to senior secondary education, a 3-year long course. Students could select a pathway at this time that reflects their interest or goal. That could be either in general, technical or vocational streams. On completion, students are awarded the Baccalauréat (BAC), necessary for further education.

Post-secondary education in Benin is composed of various types of in institutions such as universities, technical schools and vocational institutes. This lasts for three or four years after the Baccalauréat (BAC) and is intended to lead to a degree in bachelor or master or doctorate.