Title: The strike of higher education teachers disrupts the start of the academic year in Yaoundé 1
Introduction :
October 16, 2023 marks the start of the first day of classes at Yaoundé 1 University in Cameroon. However, this return to school is marked by a major disruption following a strike initiated by higher education teachers. The latter are demanding in particular the payment of part of a special bonus and transparency in the management of academic debt. Report on this conflict situation which directly impacts students.
The students’ point of view:
On the campus of Yaoundé 1 University, some students were able to follow their classes normally, while others were directly affected by the strike. A physical sciences student says: “At home, in physics, we have classes normally. It’s tutorial week, so we have classes normally.” On the other hand, in the biosciences sector, the students noted the absence of certain teachers: “We were supposed to have biology lessons this evening, but the teacher announced that there would be no lessons. The teachers are doing the strike and we are therefore deprived of English lessons this evening.
The demands of higher education teachers:
The strike movement initiated by the Union of Higher Education Teachers (Synes) demands, among other things, the immediate payment of the third tranche of the special research bonus and transparency in the management of academic debt. The Synes coordinator in Maroua emphasizes that the follow-up rate for the strike in this region is around 70%. Synes also plans to conduct a survey to check whether all teachers have been paid and whether the government has responded satisfactorily regarding academic debt.
Impacts on the academic year:
This strike by higher education teachers has direct consequences on the progress of the academic year. In addition to disruptions in students’ schedules, it also raises questions about the quality of the education provided and compliance with the university calendar. Students are concerned about making up for missed classes and how this disruption will impact their studies.
Conclusion :
The strike of higher education teachers at Yaoundé 1 University in Cameroon has a direct impact on the progress of the academic year. Demands regarding the payment of a special bonus and transparency in the management of academic debt raise questions about the quality of teaching and respect for the university calendar. The students hope for a rapid resolution of this conflict in order to be able to continue their studies in optimal conditions.