Fatshimetry – Crossed perspectives on the future of higher education in the Democratic Republic of Congo
For several days, a persistent rumor has been circulating within the Congolese university community concerning the cancellation of the License-Master-Doctorate (LMD) system in the country’s higher education. Has this reform, implemented three years ago, already had its day? Recent communications from the Ministry of Higher and University Education (ESU) appear to be sources of confusion and questions for those in the education sector.
At the heart of this controversy, the office of Minister Marie-Thérèse Sombo provides clarification by emphasizing that, to date, no official communication has been made concerning the cancellation of the LMD. It therefore seems that the reform would still be in force and that the government plans on the contrary to continue to strengthen the Congolese education system by evaluating the implementation of this program.
In a context where education and training are essential for the socio-economic development of the country, it is crucial that the competent authorities ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the reforms put in place. The LMD system, despite its detractors, has made it possible to initiate a modernization of higher education in the DRC by harmonizing curricula and facilitating student mobility on an international scale.
It is therefore essential that the mid-term evaluation of the LMD program, planned by the Minister of ESU, is carried out in a transparent and inclusive manner, involving all stakeholders in the education sector. The conclusions of this evaluation should serve as a solid basis to guide future strategic choices and guarantee the quality and relevance of the diplomas awarded by Congolese universities.
In a country seeking stability and prosperity, higher education plays a crucial role in training future elites and in promoting innovation and research. It is essential that the reforms undertaken aim to strengthen the competitiveness of the Congolese education system on the international scene and to offer students the best opportunities to achieve their full potential in a constantly changing world.
In conclusion, the question of the future of the LMD system in the DRC cannot be taken lightly. It affects the future of thousands of students and the very image of Congolese higher education. It is therefore imperative that the decisions taken are guided by the best interests of the nation and by an ambitious and forward-looking vision of education as an essential lever for building a more just, equitable and prosperous society.