The University of Yaoundé 1 is at the center of controversy following an open letter addressed to the President of the Republic, revealing alleged irregularities in the selection process for first-year PhD students. Thousands of applications were submitted, but only 60 students were selected, sparking outrage and questions about the transparency of the selection criteria.
The controversy intensifies with concerns regarding the application fees of 15,000 FCFA required from each candidate. With approximately 3,000 applications, nearly 45 million FCFA was collected, raising questions about the use of these funds. "By denying us the fundamental right to education, we are being inexorably pushed towards revolt and despair," the students stated in their letter.
This is not the first time the University of Yaoundé 1 has faced such accusations. Previous scandals, notably the one related to the issuance of diplomas via the WES (World Education Services) program, have already tarnished the institution's image. Students point out that PhD registrations have been blocked for more than three years, preventing an entire generation of young researchers from progressing in their studies and contributing to national research.
The students' letter has been widely circulated, reaching not only the President of the Republic but also national and international NGOs, as well as the public. They demand a thorough investigation, transparency in the admission process, and the reopening of registrations.
Students are eagerly awaiting an official response from academic authorities and the Ministry of Higher Education. The Rector of the University of Yaoundé 1, Professor Rémy Magloire Etoua, has not yet publicly commented on these allegations. The case highlights the persistent challenges facing the Cameroonian higher education system, particularly regarding transparency and fairness in access to higher education. Meanwhile, the future of many young researchers remains uncertain.
