Togolese scholars sent abroad with the help of state money will now sign a commitment to return to serve the country at the end of their training. The signing of this commitment is necessary and conditions the effectiveness of the stock exchange, point out the authorities of the country.
With our correspondent in LoméPeter Dogbe
This is a reminder from the Minister of Higher Education and Research. The signature of this form by the student and his parent or guardian is necessary for the effectiveness of the scholarship. The audit of the file of Togolese scholarship holders reveals that at the start of the 2021-2022 academic year, nearly 1,300 Togolese students were scholarship holders abroad, including 500 in the West. They cost the Togolese state nearly 4 billion CFA francs; against 16 billion for 100,000 students who remained in the country.
No return from the United States
The beneficiaries of these scholarships are the best students selected for the baccalaureate. However, scholarship recipients sent to attractive countries such as Canada, the United States and Switzerland do not return home. No return in the last eight years and only 4% for those who left to study elsewhere in Europe.
We must reverse this trend, says the Minister of Higher Education and Research, Majesty Ihou Watéba, the State does not have an expatriate program “, he says, but a training program for executives intended to return to serve the country. Those who do not sign this commitment will therefore no longer have the effectiveness of their scholarships, it is a commitment coupled with responsibility, it is said at the Ministry of Higher Education.
A database
A follow-up file is set up, it will follow all scholarship holders, their integration and their evolution. This file will constitute the database of available human resources for the country.
►Also read : Togo: the government unites the political parties to advocate unity in the face of insecurity