Gabon's Minister of National Education visits Libreville Central Prison for baccalaureate exams

Her visit underscored the government's commitment to inclusive education and the social and professional reintegration of prisoners. The minister praised the collaboration between the Ministries of National Education and Justice, as well as the penitentiary administration, for organizing exams in a prison setting. Classrooms have been set up within the prison to allow detainees to study and take exams under conditions similar to traditional schools.

Across Gabon, 31 detainees are participating in the 2026 baccalaureate session, with 27 in the general baccalaureate and 4 in the technological baccalaureate. The Estuaire province has the highest number of candidates with 22. Minister Leclercq emphasized that the right to education is guaranteed for all, regardless of their judicial situation, and expressed satisfaction with the candidates' motivation and high success rates.

She also highlighted that obtaining a diploma, while not ending a prison sentence, provides a significant advantage for post-detention life, enabling further studies or vocational training and entrepreneurship. She urged society to combat stigmatization and offer second chances to those who have served their time.