Cameroon’s long-serving president, Paul Biya, recently sworn in for another term at age 93, has announced the long-awaited resumption of PhD programmes in state universities. After a two-year suspension that left thousands of doctoral candidates stranded, the government now promises broader reforms aimed at revitalizing the quality, accessibility, and global competitiveness of the nation’s higher education system. The announcement has sparked a mix of hope, skepticism, and urgent demands for structural improvements from academics, students, and sector leaders.
In his national address, Biya pledged to address “burning issues” affecting higher education. Alongside reopening doctoral admissions, he committed to reinstating competitive entrance exams for teacher-training colleges—both of which were halted in 2023 due to concerns about disorder, corruption, and poor academic oversight. His message was direct: the country must empower young people and confront mounting graduate unemployment by restoring academic pathways and building a more skilled workforce.
Higher education minister Jacques Fame Ndongo elaborated on the president’s priorities, stressing that the next seven years would focus on results-oriented reforms. These include expanding science and technology programmes, improving infrastructure across the recently created state universities, and supporting students with disabilities. The government has already begun implementing these measures, including accelerated construction of laboratories, digital resource centers, student hostels, and staff housing.
One of the most notable initiatives is the allocation of CFA420 million (about US$745,000) to support 22 young graduate entrepreneurs with incubation funding in sectors like agro-industry, digital technology, and construction. Grants range from CFA5 million to CFA45 million, reinforcing the government’s ambition to link university research with national development goals under Vision 2035 and the National Industrial Development Plan.
University leaders have largely welcomed the resumption of PhD programmes, calling it essential for research continuity and innovation. Professor Magloire Ondoa of the University of Douala emphasized that many doctoral students had been “demotivated” after two years of academic paralysis. However, he and other rectors insist that successful implementation requires fully equipped laboratories, stronger research funding, and modern digital infrastructure—particularly for science-based fields.
Some academics remain wary. At the GreenSprings Digital University Institute, Professor Julius Ngoh cautioned that unresolved issues could undermine the initiative. He pointed to a shortage of qualified supervisors, mismanagement in certain departments, and a widespread mentality of treating PhD supervision as a money-making venture rather than a rigorous academic responsibility. He urged the government to enforce strict quality standards, discourage opportunistic supervision practices, and reduce administrative bottlenecks that delay thesis defenses for years.
Student leaders echo these concerns. While they welcome the reopening of doctoral admissions, they argue that reforms must benefit all students, not just PhD candidates. They cite pressing needs such as renovated lecture halls, reliable internet access, well-equipped libraries, improved sanitation, and better university health services.
Others highlight the risk of brain drain, noting that many talented students leave the country due to limited research opportunities and do not return after securing better resources abroad. Professor Jean Bahebeck stresses that political neutrality, reliable research funding, and international-standard facilities are essential if Cameroon hopes to retain its brightest scholars.
Conclusion:
The resumption of PhD programmes marks an important milestone for Cameroon’s higher education system, but it is only the first step. Sustainable progress will depend on whether the government can tackle long-standing structural challenges—from infrastructure gaps to academic governance and research funding. If implemented effectively, the reforms could restore confidence in the university sector and create a stronger, more innovative academic landscape for future generations.
