Bittou: At least 479 candidates aim for their first secondary school diploma. The President of the special delegation (PDS) of Bittou, Mohamed Lamine Diabat©, officially launched the written tests of the Brevet d'©tudes du premier cycle (BEPC), 2026 session, at the Bittou departmental high school this Tuesday.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the launch ceremony took place in the presence of the police commissioner of Bittou, jury presidents, supervisors, candidates, representatives of civil society, citizen watchdogs, and defense and security forces. A total of 479 candidates, including 191 boys and 288 girls, are taking part in this exam in Bittou. They are divided into two juries.

Addressing the candidates before the start of the exams, the PDS (School Development Officer) of Bittou offered advice and encouragement to the students. He urged them to approach the exams with calm, confidence, and discipline in order to achieve good results at the end of the session. "I encourage you to remain focused and calm throughout the exams. The efforts you have made during the school year must now bear fruit," said Mr. Diabat©.

For his part, the president of jury number 2, Sountongnoma Abdoulaye Minoungou, emphasized the importance of respecting the exam rules. He specifically warned candidates against any attempt at cheating or the use of mobile phones in the exam rooms. "I ask the candidates to remain calm, to avoid any form of cheating and not to use mobile phones during the tests," he said.

Mr. Minoungou also appealed to parents to provide moral support to their children, regardless of the final result. According to him, an exam always has two possible outcomes: pass or fail, and parents must show understanding and support for their children.