Title: License-Master-Doctorate (LMD) diplomas in the DRC: a reform to harmonize higher education
Introduction :
The License-Master-Doctorate (LMD) system is undergoing reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This reform, recently adopted by the Congolese government, aims to establish the names of academic grades in the field of higher and university education. This decision is part of a series of reforms undertaken in the education sector in the DRC, aimed at harmonizing the Congolese system with international standards. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of this reform, as well as its implications for Congolese higher education.
A regulatory framework for the LMD system:
Framework law No. 14/004 on national education, adopted in 2014, established the License-Master-Doctorate (LMD) system in the DRC. However, a decree establishing the grade designations of graduates of each cycle was still missing. This is now done with the adoption of the draft decree by the Congolese government. This decree completes the regulatory framework for the implementation of the LMD system in the DRC.
The objectives of the reform:
The reform of the LMD system in the DRC meets several objectives. First of all, it aims to harmonize the designations of the degrees of graduates of Congolese higher education and university establishments. This harmonization will ensure the readability of the diplomas issued by these establishments, both nationally and internationally.
In addition, this reform is part of a desire to promote the harmonization of the Congolese higher education system with regional and global systems. By adopting international standards, the DRC strengthens its position on the academic scene and facilitates the mobility of students and teachers internationally.
The measures announced:
In addition to the adoption of the decree establishing the names of the academic grades of the LMD system, other measures were announced by the Minister of Higher and University Education. From next year, graduate diplomas will be abolished to make way for LMD license diplomas. This evolution of the diploma system aims to align Congolese higher education with international standards.
Furthermore, the minister also announced the digitalization of Congolese universities. This measure aims to modernize higher education establishments and facilitate access to online educational resources. Digitization will also strengthen connectivity and communication between different academic institutions in the country..
Conclusion :
The reform of the License-Master-Doctorate (LMD) system in the Democratic Republic of Congo demonstrates the Congolese government’s desire to harmonize higher education with international standards. By fixing the names of academic degrees, this reform promotes the readability of diplomas issued by Congolese higher education and university establishments. It also contributes to strengthening the position of the DRC on the international academic scene. With the abolition of graduate diplomas and the digitalization of universities, this reform opens new perspectives for Congolese higher education, by promoting student mobility and strengthening access to educational resources.