Benin’s education ministry guarantees meal support during ceps 2026
As the 2026 Certificat d’Études Primaires (CEP) approaches, Benin’s government has taken a decisive step to support primary school candidates. minister salimane karimou, overseeing maternal and primary education, has issued a directive ensuring school canteens remain operational during the exam period, running from june 1 to june 4, 2026.
canteen services continue for participating schools
the minister’s order applies exclusively to schools already enrolled in the national integrated school feeding program (PNASI). for these institutions, the midday break will not disrupt students’ access to meals—instead, they will receive their usual hot lunch on campus, maintaining consistency in their daily routine.
nutrition as a key to exam readiness
minister karimou emphasized that suspending canteen services during exams could undermine candidates’ performance. in a statement to regional education directors, he noted:
«many students have relied on these meals since the start of the school year. denying them during the exam period risks introducing undue stress and hunger, which could impair concentration during afternoon sessions.»
by preserving meal access, the ministry aims to prevent physiological shocks and hunger-related fatigue, ensuring candidates remain focused and energized for their assessments.
logistical precision for uninterrupted service
maintaining canteen operations across Benin requires meticulous coordination. regional directors have been tasked with verifying food stock availability and confirming service provider readiness for the four-day exam window. this underscores the government’s commitment to treating school canteens not merely as a social service, but as a strategic tool for academic success.
parents of students in affected schools can rest assured: the meal program will continue without interruption until the final exam scripts are submitted on june 4, 2026.
