The Bénin government has taken a decisive step to support primary school students ahead of the 2026 Certificat d’Études Primaires (CEP) exams. In an official directive, Minister Salimane Karimou of the Ministère des Enseignements Maternel et Primaire has mandated the continuation of school meal services during the exam period, running from June 1 to June 4, 2026.
Ensuring steady nutrition for exam success
This measure specifically targets schools already enrolled in the Programme National d’Alimentation Scolaire Intégré (PNASI). For these institutions, the midday break will not disrupt students’ access to meals. Instead, they will continue to receive hot, nutritious lunches on-site, maintaining the routine they rely on throughout the school year.
Avoiding hunger-related distractions during critical exams
Minister Karimou emphasized the importance of uninterrupted meal services, particularly during exam season. In his correspondence to departmental directors, he highlighted:
« Many CEP candidates depend on these meals daily since the start of their academic journey. Withholding them during exams could negatively affect their performance and concentration. »
The goal is clear: preventing hunger-induced stress or physiological strain that might hinder students during the afternoon exam sessions.
Rigorous logistics for nationwide meal service
Maintaining this service across Bénin requires meticulous coordination. Departmental directors have been instructed to:
- Ensure adequate food stockpiles are available
- Verify that catering providers remain fully operational
- Monitor service delivery throughout the four-day exam period
This decision underscores the ministry’s view of school canteens not merely as social services, but as key tools for academic success. By guaranteeing nutritional stability, the government aims to help candidates approach their exams with confidence, clear minds, and energized bodies.
Parents of students in PNASI-participating schools can rest assured that this essential service will remain unchanged until the final exam papers are submitted on June 4.
