West Coast Basic Education Inspector praises security, COPALCO Support as 87 pupils sit exams at Bakingili
By Ndumbe Bell Joseph Gaston in Douala
The Inspector of Basic Education for West Coast, Mme Elisabeth Mende epse Ebot, has expressed satisfaction and gratitude to the Ministry of Basic Education, regional delegates, and security forces for their sustained support in ensuring a secure, clean, and conducive environment for this year’s examinations at Bakingili Government School Subcentre.
Speaking to the press during the examination period, Mme Ebot highlighted the role of security elements, particularly COPALCO marines, alongside police and gendarmes, in maintaining peace and order around the centre. She noted that their presence had created a calm atmosphere that allowed pupils to focus on their papers.
“This year’s centre is hosting examinations after a six-year training program,” the Inspector said. “The last centre was in Idenau last year. We are happy that Bakingili has met the conditions to welcome candidates again.”
Mme Ebot reported that preliminary preparations went smoothly, with security apparatus ensuring both safety and cleanliness around the school yard. She revealed that COPALCO marines had cleared the field ahead of the exams, a measure she said was necessary given the age of the pupils, who do not use the field regularly.
The Inspector also announced that all 87 registered pupils turned out for the examinations, marking a 100 percent roll call. She attributed the full attendance and high morale to encouragement given during practical sessions held prior to the written papers.
“We had to encourage them during the practicals. They were anxious,” she explained. “I told them to write what they had learnt and to trust their preparation. That message boosted their confidence.”
On humanitarian support, Mme Ebot commended COPALCO for its consistent gestures beyond security. She said the unit, led by Captain Tamba, frequently brought packages of gifts for the pupils, a contribution she described as valuable for morale and community relations.
She further appealed to COPALCO to extend its activities to Enyengue, a locality under the inspectorate but located in Bamousso, Ndian Division. “The needs are similar there, and the children would benefit from the same level of support and presence,” she said.
This year, security arrangements were strengthened to include an increased number of COPALCO marines, police, and gendarmes, as part of ongoing civil-military cooperation in the area. The Inspector noted that the expanded deployment had enhanced confidence among parents, teachers, and pupils.
As of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, candidates had already completed the second paper, English Language, with no reported incidents. Mme Ebot expressed optimism that the rest of the examination period would proceed smoothly.
“Everything is working well,” she said. “The children are calm, the environment is clean, and the security presence is reassuring. We are grateful to everyone who made this possible.”
COPALCO, a marine unit of the Cameroon Navy, is widely recognized nationwide for combining security operations with community-friendly missions, particularly in coastal and riverine areas.
The Inspector concluded by thanking the Ministry of Basic Education, the regional delegation, and all partners for their ceaseless support, stressing that such collaboration was key to sustaining quality and safety in basic education across the West Coast jurisdiction.
The West Coast Inspector
encouraging pupils at Bakingili as security
officer watches on
