Baccalaureate pass rates are plummeting like voter turnout. The national average stands at just 45%. Analanjirofo leads with 60%, followed by Antananarivo at 51.74% with a deliberation score of 9.75/20, and Toamasina at 51.57%. Toliara recorded the lowest at 39.21%. These results align with World Bank findings on Madagascar's education crisis. The outlook is troubling for youth and the nation's future. At this rate, within years, all baccalaureate holders will barely pass. Already, top honors are counted on one hand.
The root cause is clear: education receives only 3.3% of GDP this year, a marginal increase from last year. Public education spending totals 67,774,000,000 ariary, with most consumed by operational costs. Schools are in deplorable condition, lacking desks, classrooms, and qualified teachers. Recently, former education officials faced accusations of embezzling public funds meant for school desks that were never delivered. Corruption further undermines the sector.
The World Bank has also criticized teacher quality. Recruitment often bypasses qualified candidates. Last week, the teachers' union warned that even 300 of 3,000 planned university positions would be insufficient. Teaching has lost its calling. Poorly paid, without benefits, and undervalued compared to other civil servants, the profession has become one of necessity rather than vocation. State efforts to improve teacher housing allowances remain insufficient.
Failed baccalaureate candidates must repeat or abandon studies due to financial constraints. Of the 45% who pass, only one-third can continue, filtered by university entrance exams. Limited university capacity and symbolic budgets prevent accepting all graduates. Those failing entrance exams cannot afford private universities. The baccalaureate is no golden ticket.
Madagascar faces a genuine education crisis. This school eclipse engulfing baccalaureate candidates is the proof.