The written exams for the exceptional recruitment of contract teachers for general secondary education in mathematics and physical sciences have been officially launched for 7,668 candidates competing for 2,000 positions, the Minister of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education, N'Guessan Koffi, announced.

The exams were launched on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Lycée Classique of Abidjan-Cocody.

“Our education system is facing a serious shortage of teachers in scientific subjects, particularly in mathematics and physics-chemistry. Other subjects such as English and French are also lacking in some rural areas and localities. However, for now, the government has authorized the recruitment of 2,000 teachers in mathematics and physics,” the minister explained.

He added that the selected teachers will receive accelerated training before being deployed: “They will be monitored over a two-year period with support from our partners, including the Higher Teacher Training College (ENS) of Abidjan, the Mathematical Society of Côte d’Ivoire, and European partners who have agreed to support this initiative. After two years, they will all become civil servants. I believe this is one of the strongest supports the President of the Republic is offering to these young people.”

The minister expressed gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara for authorizing this fast-track initiative, which aims to address the pressing issue of science education.

“We are gradually finding sustainable solutions to the shortage of teachers. The President is investing in the construction of new secondary schools, including community colleges and centers of excellence. It is essential to build a strong pool of teachers in scientific subjects so that, in the long term, we have a large number of young people capable of effectively mastering these disciplines,” he said.

He also thanked and encouraged all candidates who applied for the competition.

It should be noted that a total of 43,761 candidates initially registered. A minimum average score of 14 out of 20 in mathematics and physics at the baccalaureate level was set as a selection criterion to retain only the best candidates.

The selected candidates are taking the exams free of charge in several cities, including Abidjan, Korhogo, Daloa, Bouaké, and Abengourou.