Ndille Ndille Njume, Political Scholar and PHD applicant.
By Ngalame Elias
The publication of a list of 600 selected PhD candidates for admission into Cameroon’s 11 state universities has triggered protests from those left out, amongst them is Ndille Ndille Njume Political scholar and PHD applicant.
The list, published by the ministry of higher education recently following validation by the scientific councils of the different state universities, coming two months after applications were submitted via an official notice.
The responses to the list also come against the backdrop of the suspension of PhD programmes in July 2024 at all Cameroonian institutions after the ministry expressed concern over the financial implication and academic readiness of institutions to provide PhD education.
Many candidates have had to put their applications on hold while waiting for the resumption of PhD programmes.
The list of 60 admitted in the University Yaounde II Soa unfortanetely did not feature the name of candidate Ndille Ndille Njume, who says his non-selection despite meeting the eligibility requirements established by the University was unjust, thus his petition to the Rector.
Ndille Ndille Njume, PHD applicant in Political Anthropology unit (UFRSAP01) in his petition, advances reasons why his application file merited selection.
He says he is holder of Masters of Science( Msc.) in Peace Studies and Humanitarian Action from Heritage Higher Institute of Peace and Development Studies in Yoaunde, a discipline that intersects substantively with Political Anthropology.
The applicant in his petition says he scored a cumulative Master’s GPA of 3,72/40 equivalent to 18.6/20 (A) surpassing the 12/20( C) threshold established by University of SOA.
“ My proposed research topic( The Calculus of Electoral Coice; Understanding Voter Rationalility in Cameroon’s Legislative and Municipal Elections) is choherent with the doctoral unit of political anthropology’s research interest , as it aims to understand factors influencing electoral behavior in urban and rural areas,” he writes.
The PHD candidate Ndille Ndille Njume says he has authored and co-authored three scientific papers( see petition attached).
He is also an employee of the Constitutional Council, a volunteer researcher with African Network Against Illiteracy Conflict Abuse( ANICHRA), the Centre for Scientific Research, Human Rights and Development.( see other details in petition attached.
Like Ndille Ndille Njume, other non-selected candidates in other state Universities have also staged protests against what they describe as injustice and corruption in the selection process, calling on the government through the Minister of higher education to reconsider their applications.
University World News report of protest cases in the University on Ngaoundere, Buea, Bertoua and Dschang.
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20260408101403458
Allegations and official response
According to the media reports, unsuccessful applicants from the University of Yaoundé I for example have lodged a collective complaint with Jacques Fame Ndongo, the Minister of Higher Education, alleging favouritism and lack of merit in the selection process. In a letter cited in the report, students warned of possible protests if no explanation is provided.
“By denying us the fundamental right to education, we are being pushed towards revolt and despair,” the students wrote.
The allegations follow an earlier statement by the rector of the University of Ngaoundéré in February 2026 warning against rumours of corruption involving members of the scientific council responsible for the selection.
However, Ndongo rejected claims of irregularities, stating that the selection process was based on merit.
“The selection operation was done on the basis of merit and the quality of research projects presented in line with the country’s SND30 development vision,” the minister said in a press release.
University authorities the report says have encouraged unsuccessful candidates to reapply in future selection rounds.
However Like Ndille Ndille and the other protesting non-selected applicants, it is hoped that their petitions and grievances will be listened to by that authorities that be and a solution to their plight found.
Only recently the Minister of higher Education in a Press release warned Private Universities against offering PHD programs, a decision that has not gone down well with academics and many students in the country.
