Minister Armand Kuyema Natta toured schools across the Atacora and Donga departments from 28 October to 31 October 2026. This official visit encompassed eight school districts: Tanguiéta, Kérou, Ouassa-Péhunco, Kouandé, Natitingou, Copargo, Djougou, and Bassila. During his meetings with staff and students, the Minister of Nursery and Primary Education addressed the reopening efforts in the region. The visit was specifically scheduled to span these four days to ensure a thorough review of the educational landscape in these northern areas. Armand Kuyema Natta stated, "L’État se tient à vos côtés. Nous ne devons pas céder à la peur. Bon courage pour ce que vous faites pour nos enfants. Nous sommes là et nous serons toujours là." The tour served as a direct assessment of school operations following the reopening period in these northern departments of Bénin. The minister engaged directly with local educators and pupils to understand the specific challenges faced during the transition back to classroom-based learning.
Restoring Education in Security Zones
Schools located in Kouarfa, Tampobre, Tora, Kouba, and Kabou have resumed operations for the 2026-2027 school year. These institutions remained closed throughout the 2025-2026 school year as a result of security threats in the area. The reopening of these facilities allows students to return to classrooms that had been shuttered during the previous term. The resumption of classes in these specific localities marks a significant step in the government's effort to normalize the academic experience for children residing in these zones. Local administrators and teaching staff at these sites worked in coordination with the ministry to facilitate the return of the student body.
Dewanou Avodagbe, the cabinet director for the Ministry of Nursery and Primary Education, accompanied Minister Armand Kuyema Natta during the recent departmental tour. Other officials from the ministry also joined the delegation to monitor the status of the schools in the Atacora and Donga departments. These ministry representatives participated in the assessment of educational operations to ensure that the necessary support reached the local school districts. The presence of the cabinet director and the broader ministry delegation shows the priority placed on the successful operation of these schools. They reviewed infrastructure and staffing levels to confirm that each district was prepared for the current academic calendar.
Minister Armand Kuyema Natta previously conducted similar school visits across several other departments in Bénin. His prior tours included the Atlantique, Zou, Mono, Couffo, Littoral, Ouémé, Plateau, Borgou, and Alibori departments. These earlier visits served as part of a series of inspections conducted by the minister to evaluate conditions in schools throughout the country. By visiting these nine departments previously, the minister has maintained a consistent oversight role in the ministry’s national strategy for primary education. This full approach ensures that the ministry maintains direct contact with schools across all regions of Bénin as they navigate the 2026-2027 school year.
