The Education System in Benin

French is the official language of instruction at all levels in Benin. The Ministry of National Education is responsible for the educational system in the country. In 1990, the national Conference on Education was held to improve the national policy and strategy on education. By 1991, the Government of Benin initiated important changes with the Beninese educational structure. The overall adult literacy rate is about 40%; only 25% of women are literate. In 1990, the student/teacher ration is 36:1 and by 1997, it reached 53:1.

The educational system of Benin uses the 6-4-3-3-4 system:

• Primary School – 6 years (6-11 years old);
• Junior High School – 4 years (12-15 years old);
• Senior High School High School – 3 years (16-18 years old);
• Bachelors Degree – 3 years (19-21); and
• Master Degree – 4 years.

A 20-point scale grading system is employed at all levels with the following breakdown:

The University of Benin offers higher education and has 3 main campuses – Aborney Calavi, Cotonou, and Porto-Novo. Other higher education institutions in the country include the newly founded University of Parakou (UNIPAR), National Institute of Economics (INE), National School of Administration (ENA), and the National Institute of Physical and Sports Education (INEEPS).