The Regional Campaign lead for the Cameroon's people democratic movement Movement, (CPDM) representative of President Paul Biya met with members of the university community in Cameroon’s Northwest region to present the president’s candidacy and discuss challenges facing the education sector.
The meeting provided an opportunity for lecturers and students to outline the institution’s achievements and concerns, including infrastructure and resource gaps.
The envoy acknowledged the difficulties, noting that universities globally face similar pressures, but praised the community’s openness to dialogue with the government.
The University community
The talks, described as cordial, aimed to strengthen cooperation between the government and higher education institutions ahead of the Oct. 12 presidential election.
Speaking after the meeting with university representatives, Yang said the discussion focused on presenting President Paul Biya as the party’s sole candidate for the Oct. 12 presidential election.
“We have one candidate, President Paul Biya,” Yang said. “Since the university community is a very powerful one in the Northwest, we thought it was important to have a dialogue with them. We had a marvelous exchange they spoke first, we listened, and then I presented our candidate.”
Cross section of North West Elites
Yang acknowledged the challenges raised by the academic community, noting that such issues are common in universities worldwide. He praised their readiness to engage in constructive dialogue with the government and broader society.
“That willingness to dialogue is a good thing,” he said. “Through that dialogue, we will find solutions and continue to work together.”
Speaking during the session with Philemon Yang, the North West regional campaign lead for the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), Prof. Nkou Akenji commended the head of state for prioritizing higher education and human capacity development.
Prof Theresa Nkou Akenji, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bamenda
She highlighted that the university, created in 2010 with 125 teaching staff, now counts 579 lecturers and 585 support staff, an increase largely driven by special recruitment and salary measures authorized by the President.
“The University of Bamenda has grown steadily, thanks to the head of state’s vision and the recruitment of over 270 new teachers,” Nkou Akenji said. “This growth has strengthened academic performance and institutional development.”
Despite persistent insecurity in the region, she noted that the university has maintained its operations. “Our staff and students have shown incredible courage and resilience. The University of Bamenda has never closed its doors,” she said, paying tribute to the regional governor, local authorities, and defence forces for their support.
She reaffirmed the institution’s patriotism and commitment to nation-building, noting the university community’s strong turnout during national events and visits by senior government officials.
The meeting with the university community is a series amongst others prepared ahead of Sundays polls as the people elect a new president.
By
Toh Clinton
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