The application of Honorable Salmana Amadou Ali, Member of Parliament for Diamaré Centre, for a PhD program at the University of Maroua is generating considerable controversy. According to the newspaper L'Œil du Sahel, his application file for the first year of the PhD program does not contain any degrees issued by the University of Maroua.
The file allegedly includes certified true copies of a certificate of successful completion of a Master's degree obtained in 2023 and a transcript from IRIC (University of Yaoundé II). In addition, his application form was reportedly signed by a teacher from the University of Yaoundé II, and not by a member of the faculty of the University of Maroua.
L'Œil du Sahel emphasizes that the application file does not include any degrees issued by the University of Maroua and that the application form was not endorsed by a teacher from that university. However, it contains certified true copies of the certificate of successful completion of the Master's degree (obtained in 2023) and the transcript issued by IRIC (University of Yaoundé II).
In parallel with this controversy, it is important to note that Salmana Amadou Ali recently reaffirmed his support for President Paul Biya in anticipation of the presidential election in October 2025.
The University of Maroua is a public higher education institution located in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Founded in 2008, it offers courses leading to recognized degrees in various fields of study. The pre-registration fees for the PhD program amount to 5,000 FCFA. To be eligible for the PhD program at the University of Maroua, candidates must submit a file including a stamped application addressed to the Rector, a certified true copy of the birth certificate, a certified true copy of the research Master's degree (or DEA), the Master's degree transcripts, a preliminary thesis project signed by the thesis supervisor, a medical certificate issued by the head of the Health and Social Welfare Center of the University of Maroua, and the receipt of payment of pre-registration fees.
This controversy comes in a Cameroonian political context marked by complex dynamics, particularly within the FSNC (Front for National Salvation), where Salmana Amadou Ali has played an important role. His political career has been marked by alliances and breakups, notably with Issa Tchiroma, and by his rallying to the RDPC (Democratic Rally of the Cameroonian People).
The situation of Salmana Amadou Ali illustrates the challenges related to access to higher education and research in Cameroon, as well as the complexities of the national political scene. The outcome of this controversy remains to be seen.
