As Cameroon's public schools prepare to reopen on September 7, 2026, many parents are struggling to secure enrollment for their children, with some reporting that they have been asked to pay bribes to school officials. The practice, which has been documented in previous years, appears to persist despite government efforts to curb corruption in the education sector.
According to local media reports and testimonies collected by civil society organizations, some school principals and administrators demand unofficial fees or gifts from parents in exchange for admitting students, particularly in sought-after public schools in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé. This adds an extra financial burden on families, many of whom already struggle with school supplies and tuition costs.
The Cameroonian government has repeatedly condemned such practices and has set up hotlines for reporting corruption, but enforcement remains weak. In 2023, the national anti-corruption commission received hundreds of complaints related to education, though few resulted in sanctions.
Education experts say the problem is exacerbated by a shortage of public school places, which creates a competitive environment where parents feel compelled to pay to guarantee their child's spot. They call for increased transparency in the enrollment process and stronger oversight of school management.
