On November 5, Togo's Education Minister, Mama Omorou, officially launched the 2026-2028 academic year for the 5th batch of student teachers at the Ecole normale de formation des professeurs d'école (ENFPE) in Dapaong. The new batch consists of 1,585 students who will undergo training to become preschool and primary school teachers. This development is part of the government's efforts to improve the quality of education in the country.
According to Minister Omorou, the training of teachers is a strategic investment in Togo's development and national sovereignty. The creation of ENFPEs is part of the government's plan to professionalize the teaching profession, improve the quality of initial training, and promote excellence in the education system. The minister highlighted the importance of producing well-trained teachers to enhance the country's education standards.
Since the introduction of the ENFPE reform in 2018, a total of 10,684 student teachers have been trained. The breakdown shows that 6,114, representing 57%, are female, while 4,570 are male. This indicates a significant increase in the number of female teachers in the country's education sector. The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
The minister also reported that 75% of those admitted to the 2026 national recruitment exam for teacher positions are graduates of ENFPEs, compared to 25% in 2024. This significant increase demonstrates the effectiveness of the ENFPE program in producing qualified teachers. The government aims to continue improving the quality of education through such initiatives.
Minister Omorou outlined three key expectations for the new batch of student teachers. They are expected to master digital tools to enhance pedagogical practices, develop resilience by creating teaching materials from local resources, and adopt a teacher-researcher approach based on creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. These expectations align with the government's goals for the education sector.
The launch ceremony was attended by administrative authorities, including the Secretary General of the Savanes Governorate, Kégbéro Latifou, as well as political and traditional leaders, ministry officials, education stakeholders, and technical and financial partners. The event featured an inaugural conference on the theme "Professionalism, Excellence, and Civic Values: The Foundation of a School Teacher's Competencies" and performances by the ENFPE choir.
The training program for the new batch of student teachers will focus on enhancing their skills and competencies to meet the needs of Togo's education sector. With a strong emphasis on digital literacy, creativity, and innovation, the program aims to produce high-quality teachers who can contribute to the country's development. The government remains committed to improving education standards and promoting excellence in the sector.
Key points
- 1,585 student teachers begin training at Togo's ENFPE
- Togo's Education Minister outlines expectations for new teacher trainees
- ENFPE program produces 10,684 qualified teachers since 2018
