Niger's Minister of National Education, Literacy and Promotion of National Languages, Dr Elisabeth Shérif, officially launched the written examinations for the Certificat de Fin d'Etudes du Premier Degré (CFEPD) and Certificat d'Etudes du Premier Degré/Formation Adulte (CEPE/FA) for the 2026 session. The nationwide primary education exams commenced with a significant candidate turnout. The official launch ceremony, marking the formal beginning of this key assessment period for students completing their primary education, took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Yantala Haut 1 primary school in Niamey. Across Niger, 352,211 candidates are registered to take part in the 2026 session. Dr. Shérif's launch marks the formal beginning of this key assessment period for students completing their primary education. The high number of registered participants shows the scale of the examination process, reflecting the broad reach of primary education across the country.
Exam Candidate Demographics
Candidate demographics for the 2026 primary education exams reveal several key figures, noting the diverse student population engaging with the national assessment. Of the total number of candidates, 29,137 are students from Franco-Arab schools, representing a specific educational pathway within the national system. Girls represent a significant portion of the enrollment, accounting for 50.64% of all candidates participating in the examinations, demonstrating near gender parity in primary education completion. This figure shows the efforts to ensure equitable access to education for all children in Niger.
Candidates from private educational institutions constitute 5.69% of the overall enrollment for the 2026 session, indicating the role of both public and private sectors in providing primary education. The examination also includes a specific cohort of candidates with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in the assessment process. Nationally, there are 100 registered candidates with disabilities taking the exams, with provisions made to accommodate their specific needs. Further breakdown of this group indicates that 19 candidates are visually impaired, requiring specialized support during the examination. The remaining 81 candidates with disabilities are identified as partially sighted, also receiving appropriate accommodations. These figures provide a detailed overview of the diverse student population undertaking the primary education assessments across Niger, emphasizing the full nature of the national education system. Additionally, independent candidates, those not affiliated with a specific school, represent 0.14% of the total national enrollment for the 2026 session.
Regional Examination Details
The Niamey region accounts for 44,319 candidates participating in the 2026 primary education exams, making it a significant hub for the national assessment. Of these, 2,926 candidates are enrolled from Franco-Arab schools within the Niamey region, reflecting the presence of this educational model in the capital. The region has established 163 examination centers to host the tests for its candidates, meticulously organized to accommodate the large number of participants. These centers are strategically located to ensure accessibility for all students within the region.
Niamey also includes 54 candidates with disabilities among its total, illustrating the regional commitment to inclusive education. A detailed breakdown of these candidates shows that 10 are visually impaired, requiring specific support and materials. Additionally, 44 candidates are identified as partially sighted, benefiting from adapted test conditions. The group also comprises 4 candidates who have intellectual disabilities, for whom appropriate arrangements are made. 8 candidates who are hearing impaired are participating, showing the full approach to special education needs within the examination framework.
Minister's Inspection and Exam Start
Niger's Minister of National Education, Literacy and Promotion of National Languages, Dr Elisabeth Shérif, inspected several examination centers in the capital on the first day of the 2026 primary education exams. This inspection tour allowed the Minister to observe the smooth running of the examinations and ensure all protocols were being followed. Among the facilities visited were Tondi Koirey school, which hosts internally displaced candidates, providing a safe and conducive environment for their assessments. The Minister also visited Lossougoungou school, catering specifically to candidates with disabilities, to ensure that their accommodations were effectively implemented. The ministerial tour provided an overview of the examination process as it commenced across the country, noting the government's commitment to the integrity and accessibility of the exams. Candidates officially began their assessments by undertaking the written composition paper, a foundational test designed to evaluate their writing skills. This initial test marked the official start of the examination period for the hundreds of thousands of students participating nationwide.
Official Statements and Gratitude
The launch of the examinations took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Yantala Haut 1 primary school in Niamey, setting the stage for the nationwide assessment. Across the national territory, the exams are being conducted in 1,459 examination centers, a testament to the extensive logistical planning required for such a large-scale event. These numerous centers ensure that students from various localities can access the examinations conveniently. Independent candidates constitute 0.14% of the total national enrollment for the 2026 session, representing individuals who may have pursued their studies outside of traditional school structures. The successful commencement of the CFEPD and CEPE/FA examinations is a key step for thousands of young Nigeriens as they conclude their primary education and prepare for future academic endeavors.