Unlimited strike: Teachers of state universities in Cameroon angry
In Cameroon, a new wave of demands is shaking the higher education sector. The main union of state university teachers has called for an indefinite strike starting October 16, 2023, joining protest movements already underway in primary and secondary education. This mobilization follows the dissatisfaction of teachers with their working conditions.
The main demand of the national union of higher education teachers (Synes) is the immediate payment of the third tranche of the special research modernization bonus for the year 2023. This bonus, put in place since 2009 to support and promote research within Cameroonian universities, is at the heart of teachers’ discontent. Some have already received their payment, while others are still waiting, without any explanation.
Synes deplores the delay in the payment of this bonus and demands clarification of the situation. In addition, the union requests the establishment of a short-term payment schedule in order to regularize the academic debt. Despite an agreement negotiated with the government by October 15, only 30% of teachers have been paid, leaving almost 6,000 active teachers in state universities in uncertainty.
This indefinite strike threatens to disrupt the start of the academic year in public universities. While the lecture halls have just reopened their doors, they could suddenly close, leaving students without supervision and compromising their progress in their course.
This new mobilization of teachers highlights the deterioration of working conditions in the higher education sector in Cameroon. The numerous protest movements which are multiplying reflect the growing dissatisfaction with the management of resources and educational personnel. It is urgent that the government take concrete measures to respond to the legitimate demands of teachers and thus guarantee quality education for Cameroonian students.