Kinshasa: Tony Mwaba urges inspectors to revive the school inspection system

"If the quality of education is subpar today, it is because the school inspectorate is no longer doing its job. That is why this school year has been designated by the school inspectorate as a time for renewal," said the Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education (EPST), Professor Tony Mwaba Kazadi, on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, during a working session with inspectors from all five educational provinces of Kinshasa organized under the theme: revitalizing the inspection triad and combating anti-values. The meeting was attended by the Provincial Minister of Education, Charles Mbutamuntu Lwanga, and other stakeholders in the sub-sector.

In his remarks, Minister Tony Mwaba first outlined the missions of school inspection. He noted that it remains the enforcement arm of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (EPST) because it is responsible for conducting pedagogical oversight to verify the quality of education in schools, as well as for evaluating and training teachers.

“Inspection is the tool in the minister’s hands that enables us to improve the quality of education. Even today, with the implementation of free education, the enforcement arm ensuring compliance with this reform is the inspection service,” he stated.

The head of the EPST then emphasized that this meeting is part of a series of direct meetings with inspectors that he initiated to encourage them to step up and faithfully and fully carry out their mission, especially given the lethargy he has observed in their operations. Tony Mwaba called on the inspectors to wake up, to combat negative values, and to work to improve the quality of education in schools, as well as to ensure the consolidation and sustainability of free primary education.

Regarding the rights of inspectors, the Minister of EPST acknowledged that they need the resources to do their work. He noted that part of the funding has already been allocated, and the ministry is awaiting its resolution. Professor Tony Mwaba also spoke about the establishment of a team to assess all the current needs of the school inspection system and to address them within the framework of the 2023 budget, so that the system can fulfill its missions and operate under good conditions.

"With every right comes a duty. I urge you to do your job, nothing else. And I am committed to safeguarding your rights so that this year we can resolve many of the inspectors’ issues," he concluded.

Christian BELLA