Title: The strike of university teachers in Cameroon: a mobilization that highlights structural problems
Introduction :
In Cameroon, the education sector has been strongly affected by a wave of mobilizations and strikes in recent years. After primary and secondary teachers, it is the turn of university teachers to go on indefinite strike. The main union of state university teachers has decided to join the movement by calling for mobilization from October 16, 2023. This strike highlights the structural problems facing the Cameroonian education system, particularly with regard to the working conditions of teachers. In this article, we will analyze the demands of teachers and highlight the challenges of this mobilization.
Teachers’ demands:
The main demand of university teachers concerns the payment of a special bonus for modernizing research. This bonus, implemented in 2009, aims to support and promote research within Cameroonian universities. However, many teachers denounce payment delays and a lack of transparency in the management of this bonus. Some teachers say they were paid late or not at all, while others received their payment without explanation.
The structural problems of the Cameroonian education system:
This strike by university teachers highlights the structural problems facing the Cameroonian education system. First, there is a lack of adequate funding for education, leading to delayed payment of salaries and bonuses to teachers. Additionally, there is ongoing tension between the government and teachers’ unions, which complicates negotiations and often leads to prolonged strike situations.
The consequences for students:
This indefinite strike by university teachers has direct consequences on students. Indeed, with the cessation of classes, many students find themselves deprived of education and risk falling behind in their studies. Furthermore, this mobilization calls into question the quality of higher education in Cameroon and can have an impact on the reputation of the country’s universities.
Conclusion :
The strike by university teachers in Cameroon highlights the structural problems facing the education system. By putting forward their demands, teachers wish to improve their working conditions and make their voice heard by the authorities. However, it is essential to find sustainable solutions to ensure quality education and guarantee the future of Cameroonian students.. This mobilization underlines the urgency of a reform of the education system, in order to meet the needs of teachers and students and to promote the development of education in Cameroon.