Jacques Fame Ndongo: Nullifie Soutenance Thèse Cameroun

• Cameroon's Minister of State for Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo, nullified a PhD thesis defense on October 6, 2026.
• The invalidated defense, for Mr. Pierre NKOU ABINA, was organized by "Victory University International" in Yaoundé on September 29, 2026.
• "Victory University International" is not an authorized institution in Cameroon, and no private entity is permitted to issue doctoral degrees.
• The Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) does not recognize any diplomas issued by "Victory University International."
• Academic staff participating in defense juries for unauthorized institutions face sanctions for violating ethical guidelines.

The primary reason for the nullification of Mr. NKOU ABINA's PhD defense stems from the unauthorized status of "Victory University International" in Cameroon.

On October 6, 2026, the Minister of State for Higher Education in Cameroon, Jacques Fame Ndongo, issued a public statement declaring a specific PhD thesis defense null and void. This official communiqué targeted the defense of a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Business Administration, undertaken by Mr. Pierre NKOU ABINA. The event, which took place in Yaoundé on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, had even garnered media attention, being featured in a report on CRTV Télé's 7:30 PM bilingual news program on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

The defense was organized by an entity identified as "Victory University International." This institution's involvement was a central factor in the Minister's decision to invalidate the academic achievement. The Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) has consistently emphasized that only duly authorized institutions can conduct such academic proceedings and award recognized qualifications within the country.

This particular nullification by Jacques Fame Ndongo underscores a broader concern regarding the proliferation of unaccredited academic programs in Cameroon. The Ministry has previously highlighted issues with institutions like the Université Populaire Afrique Évolution (UPAE), which, despite organizing doctoral defenses—some of which have been publicized and involved figures like businessman Emmanuel Neossi—operates without official recognition. The Minister's action serves as a clear signal concerning the rigorous standards expected for higher education in the nation.

The primary reason for the nullification of Mr. NKOU ABINA's PhD defense stems from the unauthorized status of "Victory University International" in Cameroon. The Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) explicitly states that this entity is not listed in the official register of institutions permitted to conduct academic activities within the country. Furthermore, a fundamental principle governing the higher education landscape in Cameroon is that no private institution is authorized to confer doctoral degrees. Consequently, any diploma issued by "Victory University International" within the national territory is not recognized by MINESUP. This directly impacts the validity of any academic credential obtained through such an entity.

The regulatory framework for higher education in Cameroon is clear on these matters. MINESUP has reiterated that the Université Populaire Afrique Évolution (UPAE), for instance, lacks recognition under any Cameroonian law, including the significant Law n°2023/007 of July 25, 2023. This legislation, among others, defines which institutions, whether public or private, are empowered to operate and award degrees. UPAE, like Victory University International, does not feature on the list of authorized establishments.

Crucially, the oversight of doctoral programs and the enrollment of students into these advanced studies now fall under the stringent regulation of the National Commission for Doctoral Training, an integral part of the Ministry of Higher Education. This centralized control aims to ensure the quality and legitimacy of all PhD-level education across the nation, reinforcing the message that unauthorized institutions cannot bypass established academic protocols. The comprehensive régulation enseignement supérieur Cameroun is designed to protect academic integrity and student interests.

Beyond the immediate invalidation of the specific degree, the communiqué from Jacques Fame Ndongo, serving as the Chancellor of Academic Orders, carries significant implications for academic professionals across Cameroon. The Minister issued a stern reminder to faculty members affiliated with both State Universities and Private Higher Education Institutions (IPES). This warning specifically addresses their participation in doctoral defense juries.

The directive clarifies that any involvement, whether in person or via videoconference, in a PhD defense organized by an unauthorized body constitutes a serious breach of academic ethics and professional deontology. Such participation is viewed as lending illegitimate credibility to unapproved academic processes. The Ministry emphasizes that by contributing to such juries, faculty members inadvertently legitimize defenses that do not meet national standards.

Academics found to be in contravention of these regulations face the prospect of sanctions as stipulated by the current legal framework. This measure underscores the government's commitment to upholding the integrity of the higher education system and ensuring that all academic qualifications, particularly at the doctoral level, meet stringent national requirements. The MINESUP Cameroun diplôme non reconnu stance for unauthorized institutions is thus reinforced by potential repercussions for those who support them.

Lawyers advising educational institutions or prospective students in Cameroon must verify the accreditation status of any institution offering PhD programs with the Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) to ensure degrees are recognized and to avoid nullification of academic achievements. Compliance officers within academic bodies should ensure strict adherence to MINESUP regulations regarding doctoral programs to prevent sanctions for faculty participating in unauthorized defenses.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun.