Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur MINESUP

Overview

The Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur (MINESUP) is the governmental body responsible for overseeing higher education in Cameroon. Established as a separate ministry in 1984, MINESUP coordinates both public and private universities, as well as other tertiary institutions. Its primary mission is to implement and develop government policies and programs in higher education, ensuring that the system aligns with national social and economic needs. The ministry also plays a pivotal role in accrediting institutions, promoting research and fostering international academic cooperation.

History and Legal Framework

Prior to 1984, higher education in Cameroon fell under the Ministry of Education. In that year, the government established MINESUP as a distinct entity to address the growing complexities of the higher education sector. The legal framework guiding MINESUP's operations includes Law No. 2023/007 of 25 July 2023, which outlines the national higher education policy and Decree No. 2012/433 of 1 October 2012, which organizes the ministry's structure and functions. These legal instruments empower MINESUP to regulate, supervise and develop higher education in Cameroon.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

MINESUP's mission is to:

• Organize, operate and monitor the pedagogical activities of higher education institutions.
• Promote and disseminate university research.
• Ensure the quality of higher education training.
• Adapt academic programs to the national economic and social realities.
• Supervise public universities and regulate private institutions.
• Oversee the issuance of national diplomas, including the Baccalauréat and the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level.

These objectives aim to enhance the relevance, quality and accessibility of higher education in Cameroon, contributing to national development goals.

Governance, Structure and Independence

MINESUP operates under the authority of a Minister, who is appointed by the President of the Republic. The ministry's organizational structure includes various departments and units responsible for specific functions, such as accreditation, curriculum development and international cooperation. While MINESUP is a government agency and thus subject to state policies, it maintains a degree of operational autonomy to effectively manage the higher education sector. However, challenges related to political interference and resource constraints have been noted, which can impact the ministry's effectiveness.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

MINESUP is tasked with accrediting higher education institutions and ensuring the quality of academic programs. This includes evaluating both public and private universities to ensure they meet established standards. The ministry's Department of University Accreditations and Quality (DAUQ) plays a central role in this process. Despite efforts to enhance quality assurance, some concerns persist regarding the consistency and comprehensiveness of evaluations, particularly in light of international frameworks like the Bologna Process, which Cameroon has adopted selectively.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

MINESUP actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and global integration of Cameroonian higher education. The ministry collaborates with various international organizations, including the Commonwealth of Learning, to develop policies such as Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Additionally, Cameroon is a member of regional networks like the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), where higher education ministers have approved harmonization efforts, such as the Course Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, to facilitate academic mobility within the region.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

MINESUP's initiatives are shaping the future of higher education in Cameroon by promoting digital transformation, enhancing research capabilities and fostering regional integration. The ongoing development of the Digital University of Cameroon and the E-National Higher Education Network are examples of efforts to modernize the sector. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited funding and political interference continue to affect the ministry's ability to fully realize its objectives. Addressing these issues is crucial for the sustainable development of higher education in Cameroon.

Summary

The Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur plays a critical role in shaping the higher education landscape in Cameroon. Through its regulatory functions, commitment to quality assurance and international collaborations, the ministry strives to align the higher education system with national development goals. While progress has been made, ongoing reforms and investments are necessary to overcome existing challenges and ensure that higher education in Cameroon meets global standards.

FAQs

• What is the role of MINESUP in Cameroon?
  MINESUP is responsible for regulating, supervising and developing higher education in Cameroon, ensuring that institutions meet national educational standards and contribute to the country's development.
• How does MINESUP ensure the quality of higher education?
  The ministry accredits higher education institutions, monitors academic programs and implements quality assurance measures through its Department of University Accreditations and Quality (DAUQ).
• Is MINESUP involved in international collaborations?
  Yes, MINESUP collaborates with international organizations and regional networks to enhance the quality and integration of Cameroonian higher education.
• What challenges does MINESUP face?
  Challenges include inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, political interference and the need for comprehensive reforms to improve the higher education system.

Organization Name

Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur
Ministry of Higher Education

Acronym

MINESUP

Year of Establishment

1/01/1972

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

PO Box 1457
Yaoundé
Central Province Cameroon

Phone

+237 223 3677

Fax

+237 223 2282

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Wikipedia Article

Not available

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