Ouagadougou: The president of the National Union of Private Secular Education Institutions (UNEPEL), Benoit Illy, emphasized the critical role of language in national sovereignty during the opening ceremony of the Union's 16th Congress. Speaking in Ouagadougou, Illy stated that "a country that does not speak its language, its sovereignty is reduced by 50%." The congress, themed "Education and Sovereignty in Burkina Faso: Contribution of the Private Sector," commenced this Thursday, July 24, 2025.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the choice of theme seeks to address Burkina Faso's aspirations to redefine its development pillars. Illy asserted that the education system should align with cultural values to foster a competent and patriotic youth, foundational to true sovereignty.
"This congress is a stopover that will allow us to take stock of the actions taken over the past three years, to adapt our founding texts for better governance and greater efficiency, and to renew our governing bodies in a democratic spirit," Illy remarked.
Despite ongoing conflicts, Illy noted UNEPEL's achievements, including receiving over 90% of tuition arrears for affected students from 2014 to 2024 and increasing membership from 1,411 to 1,500. UNEPEL has also improved private sector consideration during exams and contributed 400 million CFA francs to peace efforts.
The 16th UNEPEL Congress, held from July 24 to 26, 2025, in Ouagadougou, attracts employers' organizations from Benin, Mali, Niger, Congo, and Russia. Luc Y©, the Ministry's mission officer for education, acknowledged UNEPEL's significant contribution to Burkina Faso's educational landscape, serving as the country's leading education umbrella organization since its inception in 1972.