Douala: Authorities Seal Dipita Private Secular Bilingual School for Irregularities

The Dipita Private Secular Bilingual School, located in Douala, was sealed on September 11, 2024, by the Regional Delegate for Basic Education for the Littoral Region, in the presence of security forces. This closure follows the execution of a ministerial decision made public on November 20, 2023. The school has been accused of violating legal standards regarding the creation and operation of private schools. The infractions include the illegal use of a residential property for school purposes, non-compliance with required space regulations, lack of a land title by the school’s promoter, and exposing students to security risks.

The Dipita School had already been listed among illegal schools in 2023. However, an exceptional measure from the Minister of Basic Education on December 28, 2023, temporarily suspended the closure to allow students to complete the school year. Despite this leniency, the authorities have now decided to act firmly.

This closure also comes amid a legal dispute between the school’s promoter, Ngegue Pauline la Blanche, and the Moudissa Bille family, the property’s owners. The family claims the school’s operation is illegal and accuses the promoter of not paying rent since 2017. The case is still pending in court, but the closure of the school is seen as a victory for the Moudissa family. “This is the first step towards recovering our property,” said Ekongolo Samuel, a family member.

While the situation remains uncertain, Dipita Private Secular Bilingual School is now closed with no possibility of reopening, in line with the ministerial decision from November 2023. The heirs of the property hope to reclaim their asset and finally resolve this long-standing legal battle.

Arsène BAMBI KONDO