The Ministry of Technical Education, Vocational Training and Apprenticeship is today a strategic ministry that contributes to building quality human capital—an essential asset for business competitiveness and, ultimately, for national economic growth. This was stated by the Minister in charge, N’Guessan Koffi, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Technical High School of Abidjan-Cocody.

He made this declaration during the ceremony honoring 200 staff members and partners of the Ministry, who were decorated with the National Education Merit Order for the year 2025.

“The technical education and vocational training sector in our country is undergoing a profound transformation. The future of our Nation is being shaped in our workshops, training garages, apprenticeship centers, farm schools, and technical and vocational colleges and high schools. This is where the skills are developed that will make Côte d’Ivoire an industrial power, a competitive economy, a great Nation, in line with the vision of the President of the Republic, H.E. Alassane Ouattara—a vision shared by our people,” emphasized Minister N’Guessan Koffi.

Addressing the honorees, the Minister stated that this ceremony aims to celebrate their significant and decisive contributions to the training of a committed and capable youth:
“It also recognizes your dedication to transmitting knowledge to learners and strengthening the capacities of trainers. On behalf of the Government and on my own behalf, I would like to express my deep gratitude for your efforts over the years.”

Speaking on behalf of the honorees, Philippe Angui Bléou reaffirmed their commitment to serve with loyalty, integrity, and professionalism, and to continue working with conviction to train competent and operational young people capable of meeting the challenges of the professional world and contributing effectively to Côte d’Ivoire’s emergence.

For this second edition, distinctions were awarded to 15 Commanders, 41 Officers, and 144 Knights in the presence of Tiécoura Koné, representing the Grand Chancellor of the National Order. The honorees include 119 recipients from Regional Directorates and Public Institutions, nine entities under the Ministry’s supervision, 54 from the Central Administration, 14 technical and financial partners, and four founders of private technical and vocational education institutions.

The National Education Merit Order, established by decree no. 62-09 of January 16, 1962, aims to honor staff and partners whose outstanding actions contribute to the advancement and visibility of the Education and Training sector.