Boulkiemde: Mr. Ahmed Marcel Gnienhoun successfully defended his doctoral thesis in educational sciences, specializing in educational policy, at Norbert Zongo University in Koudougou on Tuesday. His research focused on: 'Determinants of the weakness in the supply and demand of preschool education in the Hauts-Bassins region of Burkina Faso.'

According to Burkina Information Agency, the jury, chaired by Professor Hugo Felix Tindaogo Valean, teacher-researcher at the Higher Normal School (ENS) of Koudougou, was composed of Dr. Joseph Beogo, lecturer in educational policy at the ENS (thesis director), Dr. Desire Poudiougou, research master at the CNRST (examiner), and two rapporteurs: Dr. Bernardin Ouedraogo, lecturer at Thomas Sankara University and Dr. Paul Marie Bayama, lecturer at the ENS of Koudougou.

Following deliberations, the jury praised the scientific quality and methodological rigor of the work and awarded the candidate the distinction "Tres honorable," the highest academic distinction.

According to the jury chairman, this research "constitutes an important contribution to understanding the challenges of preschool education, which is still underdeveloped in Burkina Faso."

In his address, the newly appointed doctor noted that the preschool enrollment rate was only 6.6% in 2022-2023, due to a lack of infrastructure, insufficient funding, and some unfavorable socio-cultural perceptions. He offered recommendations for better promoting preschool education through inclusive and equitable policies.

The ceremony, filled with emotion and pride, took place in the presence of his family, friends, and several colleagues, who came in large numbers to encourage him and share this memorable moment with him.