This article discusses the decline in interest among students in West Africa—particularly in Ivory Coast—toward studying science, specifically maths and physics. The statistics highlight that only 0.6% of students in Ivory Coast opted for the elite maths-and-physics track in their high school baccalaureate exam in 2022, with a broader decline in the sciences over recent years.
Several factors contribute to this trend:
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Underinvestment in Science Education: There are insufficient teachers, laboratories, and equipment, making science classes less appealing.
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Perceived Difficulty: Many students view science subjects as challenging, leading them to choose easier humanities courses instead.
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Limited Career Prospects: After graduation, opportunities in scientific fields are scarce, which discourages students from pursuing science.
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Brain Drain: A significant number of scientists seek better opportunities abroad, exacerbating the problem.
The article notes attempts by governments to reverse this decline by launching awareness campaigns, establishing science-focused schools, and creating science hubs to attract students. However, despite the challenges, some students, like Abdoulaye Harouna, remain dedicated to the sciences, inspired by successful role models.
