The University of Maroua is at the center of an unprecedented sexual harassment scandal. An investigation has revealed a "sex for grade" system, where university officials allegedly abused their power to obtain sexual favors in exchange for grades or career advancement.
The case came to light when a doctoral student, who was also the secretary of the former dean of the Faculty of Arts, Letters and Human Sciences, Professor Saibou Issa, denounced constant harassment, threats, and rapes. These acts allegedly occurred in his office, a place that should have been dedicated to academic excellence. Her testimony prompted a women's rights association to conduct an in-depth investigation in 2024.
The investigation uncovered an alarming modus operandi. Professor Saibou Issa allegedly transformed a residence in his native village of Mindif into a place of sexual blackmail. Testimonies and recordings reveal that in order to obtain a promotion, research validation, or a letter of recommendation, young female teachers had to give in to his advances.
The consequences of this system are disastrous. The investigation reveals the case of Mrs. Woulfé Fatoumata, a doctoral student at the University of Ngaoundéré, who divorced after being forced into a relationship by her thesis director, Saibou Issa. Accused of adultery, she committed suicide in November 2024. A teacher who tried to raise the alarm about Professor Issa's behavior allegedly suffered administrative harassment.
Following the denunciations and the referral to the Human Rights Commission, the Rector of the University of Maroua, Professor Idrissou Alioum, reacted by replacing Professor Issa Saibou from his position as dean. At the start of the 2025 academic year, he promised "zero tolerance" towards deviant behavior and exemplary sanctions against corrupt teachers. While the victims are now speaking out, they are waiting for the institutional justice system to take over.
Professor Saibou Issa, born in 1970 in Mindif, is a historian specializing in security issues in the Sahel. He was the director of the Higher Teacher Training College of Maroua from 2009 to 2020, and head of the history department at the Faculty of Arts, Letters and Human Sciences at the University of Ngaoundéré.
The University of Maroua case highlights the need to strengthen mechanisms for protecting students and combating sexual harassment in Cameroonian academic institutions. In December 2024, the Rector of the University of Maroua had already warned teachers against inappropriate behavior towards female students.
