Education in Gabon is largely based on the French educational system. On the federal level, it is regulated by two Ministries: the Ministry of Education, which is in charge of Pre-school through to High School, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Innovative Technologies, which is in charge of universities and professional schools.
Education is compulsory for children ages 6 to 16 years[1] under the Education Act. Most children in Gabon start their school lives by attending nurseries (Crèche), then kindergarten (Jardins d'Enfants). At age six, they are enrolled in primary school (école primaire) which is made up of five grades. The next level is secondary school (école secondaire), which is made up of seven grades. The intended age at graduation is 19 years. Graduates of secondary school can apply for universities or other institutions of higher learning, such as engineering schools or business schools.
Approximately 9.6% of Gabon's government budget goes to education, which is 3.0% of its GDP.[2] The school life expectancy is 13 years, from Grade 1 to Grade 13. The baccalaureate is the second diploma of value. French is the language of education.[1]
- ^ a b van Hoogstraten, Jan S. F. (5 January 2014). "Gabon § Education". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
- ^ ""UNESCO"". Retrieved 2024-02-01.