Douala: Controversy as school founder prohibits teachers from sitting in class

By Charity Nginyu

The founder of the College Privé Saint-Marthe in Douala, Cameroon, Nwambo Philomens has issued a mandate prohibiting teachers from sitting during classes, sparking controversy on social media platforms.

The directive, which was communicated to the teachers via a note, states that all tables and chairs in classrooms will be suspended. effectively enforcing a standing-only policy for instructors.

Traditionally, teachers rely on a combination of standing and sitting to engage with students effectively. However, under the newly imposed ruling, teachers are strictly prohibited from sitting on the table benches, with severe penalties imposed for non-compliance.

According to the founder’s note, any teacher caught sitting on a bench will face a sanction of 1000 CFA francs.

While the rationale behind the decision remains unclear, it has raised eyebrows on social media concerning the ill-treatment of teachers in Cameroon.

“Why are teachers treated so badly in this country? I don’t know if there is a profession that is so disrespected… if we have diplomas today it’s thanks to these teachers,” Camille Owono wrote on Facebook.

Other users like Philomene Koffi remarked that the said founder certainly possesses no concept of the teaching profession, considered by many as a noble profession.

To Melanie Tsague, the best option will be for the teachers to unanimously resign. “It’s better that the teachers there resign who told him that being up for long is good for a teacher? Two hours standing up? I feel though this is military training.”