The Minister of Higher Education Warns that No Private Institutions is Authorized to Offer PhD Programs

The Minister of State for Higher Education, Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, has issued an official warning to the academic community and the general public. In a statement, he reiterated that no private higher education institution in Cameroon is authorized to offer doctoral-level training (PhD programs).

In the communiqué, he cautions citizens against fraudulent and misleading educational offers, the Ministry makes it clear that private institutions cannot lawfully run PhD programs within the country. The minister further stated that there is likewise no valid authorization for “offshore” doctoral programs operating on Cameroonian territory.

The Ministry emphasizes that anyone who chooses to enroll in these types of doctoral programs does so entirely at their own risk. As a result, degrees issued through such arrangements would not be recognized in Cameroon under any circumstances by the competent Cameroonian authorities.

The Ministry thus calls on the public to verify offers and avoid scams. To help curb misinformation and protect prospective students from fraudulent schemes, the Ministry urged the public to consult its relevant services. In particular, it recommended contacting the General Inspectorate of Academic Affairs and the Directorate for the Development of Higher Education to verify whether proposed programs are legitimate and properly authorized.

Ultimately, this warning aims to protect students, prevent exploitation, and preserve the credibility and integrity of Cameroon’s higher education system.