The Ministry of National Education took a decisive step in the process of reforming the Senegalese education system on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Under the chairmanship of the Minister of National Education, Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, a solemn ceremony was held marking the official installation of the Scientific Committee for Curriculum Reform, the formal opening of the General Inspectorate of Education and Training (IGEF), and the launch of the national listening platform "The Voice of the School."

A strong and highly symbolic triptych that enshrines the authorities' desire to place knowledge, expertise and citizen participation at the heart of the transformation of the Senegalese school system.

A scientific committee to inform the restructuring

At the heart of this ceremony was the installation of the Scientific Committee for Curriculum Reform, composed of eminent figures from diverse disciplinary and professional backgrounds. Chaired by Professor Abdoullah Cissé, a renowned figure in the academic world, this committee's mission is to guide the reform process through a multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and systemic approach.

"This is no longer just about curriculum reform, but about a complete overhaul of the Senegalese education system," stressed Minister Guirassy, recalling that this is a clear instruction from the President of the Republic in view of the strategic challenges for the future of the country.

Beyond the scientific committee, a circle of high-level experts composed of artists, scientists, former ministers, architects and intellectuals has also been put in place to support this national dynamic.

The IGEF was honored at an unprecedented formal opening ceremony.

Another highlight of the ceremony was the formal opening of the General Inspectorate of Education and Training. A first in the history of this strategic body, marked by the symbolic wearing of the toga, a sign of recognition of the high responsibility and professional standards incumbent upon the inspectors general.

For the minister, this innovation reflects the central role of knowledge and pedagogical rigor in the recognized quality of the Senegalese education system, both at the sub-regional and international levels.

"The Voice of the School," a platform for inclusive governance

The ceremony also marked the official launch of the digital platform "La Voix de l'École" (The Voice of the School), a national system for listening and citizen participation. Accessible to all, it allows teachers, students, families, and stakeholders in daaras (Koranic schools) and local communities to express themselves freely via audio, in French as well as in national languages (Wolof, Soninke, among others).

This approach of active listening and "learning", in the minister's words, is part of a new style of public leadership based on inclusion, consultation and collective mobilization around the essential: the future of the nation through school and through the child.

When questioned about the demands of teachers' unions, particularly the G7 union which is currently paralyzing the education system with repeated strikes, Moustapha Mamba Guirassy reaffirmed the government's openness to dialogue. He welcomed the recent adoption by the Council of Ministers of the decree concerning the issue of decision-makers, a long-standing grievance now resolved in less than a year and a half.

While calling on union representatives to understand the delays inherent in administrative procedures, the minister nevertheless sought to reassure them: "In the coming days, this matter will be definitively resolved, to the great delight of educational stakeholders, particularly teachers who have been unfairly treated in the past," he stated.

A foundational act for the 2050 Agenda

For the authorities, this ceremony goes beyond the institutional framework. It constitutes a founding act, carrying hope and transformation, in line with the will expressed by the Senegalese in March 2024 for a profound change based on justice, dignity, sovereignty and prosperity.

"Agenda 2050 cannot be achieved without a solid human capital," insisted the minister, convinced that the overhaul of the Senegalese school system is the key to this national ambition.