Cameroon: 2026 GCE Marking Commences Amid Calls for Fairness and Accountability

BUEA, PAV – The official marking session for the 2026 General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations has been launched in the South West Region, with authorities calling on examiners to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness and professionalism throughout the exercise.

The launch ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 22, at Baptist High School, Buea, chaired by the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai. The event brought together the President of the South West Regional Assembly, the Divisional Officer for Buea, officials of the Cameroon GCE Board, chief examiners, assessors, assistant chief examiners, examiners and other education stakeholders.

Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai called on the markers to be objective and impartial in their marking, describing the exercise as a critical stage in determining the future of thousands of candidates across the country.

“We expect that they should carry out the exercise with all objectivity,” the Governor said. “They should be committed to the task because it is a very delicate responsibility. Our children are the Cameroon of tomorrow, not only for their families but for the entire nation.”

He stressed that the credibility of the country’s education system depends largely on the professionalism of examiners, warning that any negligence could have lasting consequences for students and the nation.

“If we do not accompany them and help them through a credible certification process, we jeopardise their future and compromise our own security,” he said. “That is the expectation of all Cameroonians, not only the public authorities.”

The Governor also alluded to recent challenges that affected the examination process, urging all stakeholders to work collectively to restore confidence in the system. “I don’t want to come back to what happened recently,” he said. “I believe all stakeholders should be ready to repair it. It should not continue to compromise what we know.”

“We know that our GCE examinations are credible examinations, recognised all over the world. That is the expectation of the public authorities and the entire community,” he said, adding that adequate security measures have been put in place to guarantee a peaceful and smooth marking exercise at all centres.

Professor Ivo Leke Tambo, GCE Board chair, expressed confidence in the preparedness of the Board and the personnel involved in the exercise. “The very fact that we are now at this level shows that there will be no problem,” Professor Tambo said. “

All the people who have been invited, chief examiners, assessors, assistant chief examiners and examiners, have reported. The marking centres have been arranged, and all other logistical preparations have been completed.”

He added that the Board anticipates a seamless marking process. “I don’t see any problem that will happen at this point. We are ready,” he declared.

The commencement of the marking session is a significant phase in the 2026 GCE examination process, following the successful administration of written examinations nationwide. Hundreds of examiners have been deployed to about 15 specialised marking centres, where they will assess the scripts of over 208,000 candidates before the compilation and release of results.

The Cameroon GCE examinations remain one of the country’s most respected academic certification systems, with certificates recognised by universities and institutions both nationally and internationally. Maintaining the integrity of the marking process remains essential to preserving public confidence in the examination system and safeguarding the future of thousands of young Cameroonians.