The LMD (License-Master-Doctorate) system remains at the heart of debates and controversies in the field of higher education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While some rumors suggested that this reform would be on the verge of being canceled, the office of the Minister of Higher and University Education clarified the situation by affirming that the LMD program is not called into question.
This reform, introduced three years ago, aims to harmonize higher education diplomas with a view to promoting student mobility and improving the quality of education. The LMD system, which arises from the Bologna Agreement signed in 1999, divides higher education into three levels: the license (bac+3), the master (bac+5) and the doctorate (bac+8) .
Despite its laudable objectives, the LMD system has encountered harsh criticism from some stakeholders, such as national MP Nkoy Ampango, who describes it as a “sick, satanic and demonic system”, calling for its cancellation. These critiques highlight the challenges and resistance the reform faces, highlighting the complexity of its implementation.
In this context, the responsible minister has put in place a roadmap to evaluate the implementation of the LMD program, with particular attention paid to the end of the first cycle this academic year. This evaluation will make it possible to measure the progress, challenges and adjustments necessary to guarantee the success and effectiveness of the LMD system in Congolese higher education.
It is essential to emphasize that the LMD reform is part of a process of continuous improvement of higher education, aiming to align the country’s educational standards with international standards. However, it is crucial to take into account local specificities and needs to adapt the LMD system in a relevant and effective manner.
In short, the Bachelor-Master-Doctorate reform remains a topical and debated subject in the DRC, giving rise to divergent opinions and questions about its impact and relevance. Beyond criticism and controversy, it is imperative to continue dialogue and evaluation to ensure successful and beneficial implementation of the LMD system in the country.
Thus, the clarification provided by the ministerial cabinet constitutes an important step in the process of evaluating and consolidating the LMD system, paving the way for in-depth and constructive reflection on the future of Congolese higher education.