• The Mathematical Society of Côte d’Ivoire (SMCI) proposed an intensive plan to train 1,400 math teachers over two years.

• The Education Ministry estimates a shortfall of 1,453 math teachers in public secondary schools for 2025–2026.

• Only 1.72% of 2025 high school graduates came from scientific streams, limiting the recruitment pool.

During a meeting held on Tuesday, February 17, at the office of Education Minister N’Guessan Koffi, the president of the Mathematical Society of Côte d’Ivoire (SMCI), Saliou Touré, presented a plan to intensively train 1,400 mathematics teachers. The initiative aims to structure their training and support their gradual integration into the education system over a two-year period.

According to information released after the meeting, the SMCI “will provide training for the teachers recruited.” The plan provides for “the organization of a capacity-building seminar for teachers recruited during the school holidays.” Authorities have not yet disclosed a detailed timetable or operational modalities.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of a persistent shortage of mathematics teachers in public secondary schools. At the 2025–2026 back-to-school meeting, the Ministry of National Education estimated that public middle and high schools require 1,453 additional mathematics teachers.

The imbalance stems primarily from the narrow size of the national scientific talent pool. Data from the Directorate of Examinations and Competitions show that in 2025 only 2,293 high school graduates, or 1.72% of successful candidates, came from scientific streams. This limited share constrains the number of potential applicants for mathematics teaching recruitment exams.

To ease pressure on public schools, the government announced in 2025 an exceptional recruitment drive for 2,855 contract teachers in secondary education, including 1,179 positions specifically in mathematics across middle and high schools.

Beyond staffing volumes, education quality remains a central concern. A study published in April 2025 by UNICEF indicates that 14% of teachers in Côte d’Ivoire report a specific need for strengthening their mathematics skills.

This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou 

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum