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Introduction
The General Certificate of Education (GCE) Board of Cameroon plays a vital role in the evaluation of students' academic achievements. Established to ensure a fair and transparent examination system, the Board has undergone significant changes over the years. This article explores the history, evolution, and milestones of the Cameroon GCE Board, providing insights into its structure and impact on the country’s education system.
The Birth of the Cameroon GCE Board
1.1 University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate
Before Cameroon had its own independent GCE examination system, most secondary schools in Nigeria and Southern Cameroons followed the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES). This examination included three levels:
Junior Cambridge (taken in Form 4)
Senior Cambridge (taken in Form 6)
Higher School Certificate Examination (taken in Upper Sixth Form)
1.2 The West African School Certificate Examination
In 1954, Southern Cameroons withdrew from the Cambridge Examination system and adopted the West African School Certificate Examination (established in 1951). This continued until the Reunification of Cameroon in 1961, after which there was a need for a more localized examination system.
1.3 Transition to the University of London GCE Examination
Following reunification, West Cameroon adopted the University of London GCE Examinations in 1963. This examination system remained in place until 1976, when the Cameroon Ministry of National Education took over the administration of the exams.
The Cameroonisation of the GCE Examination
The move to fully localize the GCE Examination was a long-term goal of the Ministry of National Education. The process involved feasibility studies conducted jointly by British and Cameroonian experts. A key milestone was the January 5-6, 1976 meeting in Yaoundé, where the following aspects of the examination were defined:
The name and structure of the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels
The number of sessions per year
Question formats, grading, and marking schemes
Security measures for exam administration
On November 24, 1976, the President of Cameroon signed Decree No. 76/555, officially instituting the General Certificate of Education Examination in Cameroon. The first Cameroonised GCE session took place in June 1977.
Challenges and Reforms in the GCE Examination
By the late 1980s, several irregularities began to affect the credibility of the GCE examination in Cameroon:
The use of future GCE questions in entrance examinations (1990)
Unannounced changes in exam formats (1991)
Printing errors, wrong pagination, and spelling mistakes
Shortages and late arrival of question papers
Postponements of exams due to logistical failures
Examination leakages and fraudulent activities
To address these challenges, the Prime Minister of Cameroon issued Order No. 194/CAB/PM on September 11, 1992, to create a Technical Committee responsible for reviewing and improving the GCE Board’s organization.
The Establishment of the Cameroon GCE Board
With the persistent call for reform, the Cameroon GCE Board was officially established in 1993 as an independent examination body. The Board was tasked with:
Ensuring the credibility and transparency of the examination process
Moderating test items and syllabuses
Supervising the administration and marking of examinations
Issuing valid and recognized certificates
Since its inception, the Board has continued to implement modern security measures and improved administrative policies to maintain the integrity of the exams.
Registrars of the Cameroon GCE Board
The following individuals have served as Registrars of the GCE Board:
| Name | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Mr. AZONG Wara Andrew | 1994 - 1997 |
| Dr. Omer Weyi YEMBE | 1997 - 2006 |
| Dr. MONONO Ekema Humphrey | 2006 - 2018 |
| Mr. DANG AKUH Dominic | 2018 - 2023 |
Each of these registrars played a crucial role in shaping the Board’s policies, improving examination processes, and enhancing the credibility of Cameroon’s education system.
GCE Board Services and Quick Access Links
The GCE Board provides various services to students, parents, and institutions. Some of the most sought-after services include:
Key Services:
English Language Proficiency Certificates
Duplicate Result Slips and Certificates
Corporate Results Confirmation
Quick Access Links:
📌 2024 GCE Results
📌 Timetables
Conclusion
The Cameroon GCE Board has come a long way from its early days under British and West African examination systems. Through various reforms and improvements, it has established itself as a reliable and credible examination body. By ensuring transparency, efficiency, and fairness, the Board continues to uphold its motto: "Measuring Learning with Honesty."
For more updates on GCE Examinations, past papers, registration details, and study tips, visit www.gcepanel.org.
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