Students Protest against Teachers' Boycott

Road blocks were mounted at the Cité de la Paix junction yesterday following absence of staff.

The entire student population of the Institute Secondaire de Technologie at Cité de la Paix in the nation's economic capital went to the streets yesterday in protest against deprivation of lessons. For more than 30 days running, teachers of the private school had boycotted classes demanding payment of 3 months' salary arrears.

After mounting barricades along the main road of the neighbourhood and stopping normal traffic flow for about 4 hours, the Divisional Officer (DO) of Douala III, Njoya Zakariaou accompanied by security forces rushed to the area and calmed the students, then dislodged the road blocks.

The students said they have been deprived of lessons since January this year despite having completed their fees. They said they expected the wrangling between the Institution's teaching and administrative staff, on the one hand, and the school's administration and proprietors, on the other, to have reached a comprehensive deal before now. But they were only taken aback this week when no teacher still turned up to offer lessons for the fourth consecutive week. "It defeats our patience! We're fade-up with unfulfilled promises!" says Franck who is expecting to write the Probatoire exams in May 21.

According to the Principal, Ekeke Armand, teachers of the private school refused going to work if their 3 months of salary arrears is not paid. While negotiations were still on, the students lost patience!

However, with the timely intervention of the administration yesterday effective classes are expected today. It is not clear what will be done to the teachers, but following a brief consultation between the DO and some administrative staff the Principal assured that classes resume today. He announced emergency practical sessions for Saturdays and Sundays until the start of the Probatoire exams on May 21.

The students said the last vestiges of fees were collected during the second term. Fees range from FCFA 160,000 to FCFA 250,000, while students of the examination classes pay an additional FCFA 20,000 for practicals.