On September 28, Professor Djimet Clément Bagaou, Secretary-General of the African-French-Arab Council for Grades (CAFAG) in Chad, held a press conference to discuss the institution's presence and objectives. The CAFAG is a pan-African scientific organization that aims to contribute to the valorization of competencies, promotion of research, and strengthening of the quality of higher education.
According to Professor Bagaou, the press conference aimed to inform, explain, and reassure the public about the CAFAG's attributions. He emphasized that the organization does not intend to create controversy or oppose other institutions, but rather to contribute to the development of higher education, research, and innovation in Chad. The CAFAG's goals include promoting research, enhancing the quality of higher education, and bridging the gap between African universities.
The press conference comes after recent statements from the National Union of Higher Education Teachers and Researchers (SYNECS) and the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Sitack Yombatina, who recalled that the two recognized systems for promoting higher education teachers in Chad are the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES) and the Egyptian Higher Education Council (CSUE).
Dr. Yombatina had warned that any evaluation, nomination, or grading carried out outside of these recognized systems would not be recognized in the country. However, the CAFAG has been authorized to operate and has received a congratulatory letter from the President of the Republic on September 21, encouraging it to pursue its objectives.
Professor Bagaou responded to the minister's statement, saying that the CAFAG receives the president's encouragement with humility and responsibility. He emphasized that the organization will not use the president's letter as an argument for confrontation with other institutions, but rather as an invitation to work harder and improve its actions.
The CAFAG's Secretary-General highlighted the organization's commitment to contributing to Chad's development priorities. He stressed that the institution's goal is to promote dialogue and collaboration in the higher education sector, rather than creating conflict or opposition.
The CAFAG's role in Chad's higher education sector has been a subject of discussion in recent weeks, with some questioning its legitimacy. However, Professor Bagaou and his team are working to clarify the organization's mission and objectives, and to establish a constructive dialogue with other stakeholders in the sector.
Key points
- The African-French-Arab Council for Grades (CAFAG) aims to contribute to the development of higher education, research, and innovation in Chad.
- The CAFAG has been authorized to operate in Chad and has received a congratulatory letter from the President of the Republic.
- The organization's Secretary-General, Professor Djimet Clément Bagaou, emphasizes the importance of dialogue and collaboration in the higher education sector.
