University of Yaounde I: Academic Excellence and Scientific Influence
Situated in the Ngoa Ekélé neighbourhood at the heart of the city of Yaounde, Cameroon’s political capital, the University of Yaounde I (UYI) is one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in Cameroon and Central Africa. It stands out with to its commitment to academic excellence, scientific research and technological innovation.
Founded in 1962, UYI is the oldest and one of the most outstanding
universities of the country today. Through its faculties and institutions of higher
learning, it offers a wide range of diverse undergraduate (bachelor's), postgraduate
(master's) and doctoral (PhD) programmes in various fields, including science,
engineering, humanities, social sciences, medicine and science of education.
Main entrance of the University of Yaounde I
A view of the University of Yaounde I Rector’s Office
UYI is recognized for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research and
commitment to innovation. With its highly qualified staff comprising renowned
professors and researchers, it actively contributes to knowledge-building through
collaborations with national and international institutions. It plays a major and
strategic role in knowledge production and dissemination for the economic and social
development of Cameroon, its regions and the African continent.
Its dynamic campus, with modern libraries, high-performance research laboratories
and student support services, provides a learning environment conducive to intellectual
and professional development. The university is committed to digitalization and
infrastructure improvement, striving to respond to contemporary challenges by
incorporating innovative teaching approaches and strengthening its global impact.
Historical Background
The University of Yaounde I is Cameroon's maiden institution of higher learning,
established in 1962 under the name Federal University of Cameroon. It saw the light
of day after the country gained independence, to train a national elite capable of
responding to the development challenges.
In 1973, the university was renamed the University of Yaounde, thereby consolidating
its role as the country's leading academic pole. At that time, it comprised several
faculties covering a variety of disciplines, ranging from social sciences to the exact
sciences.
A major reform of Cameroon’s university system was implemented in 1993, splitting
the University of Yaounde into two separate institutions:
- the University of Yaounde I, specializing in fundamental, technical and medical sciences;
- the University of Yaounde II, focusing on law, economics and political science.
The purpose of the restructuring was to improve university management, promote
greater specialization among institutions and better meet growing higher education
needs.
Over the years, the University of Yaounde I has experienced considerable growth
with:
- an increase in the number of students and lecturers;
- the building of new facilities: modern laboratories, digital libraries, lecture halls suitable for mass teaching;
- the development of international collaborations with universities and research institutes worldwide.
Today, it is recognized as an academic benchmark in Central and French-speaking
Africa, training thousands of students each year and actively contributing to scientific
and technological innovation.
Missions of the University of Yaounde I
The university's main mission is to provide high-level training aligned with
international standards, in order to equip students with the required theoretical and
practical skills for their professional integration and their contribution to the
development of Cameroon.
It offers training courses in various fields, including:
- Fundamental and applied sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Geology, etc.);
- Medicine and health sciences;
- Civil engineering, mechanical engineering and other technical disciplines;
- Science of Education and Social sciences.
The university places great emphasis on educational innovation, with the introduction
of MOOCs, hybrid courses and e-learning to increase access to knowledge.
The University of Yaounde I is a key player in scientific research, with several
research centres and specialized laboratories. Its objective is to generate new
knowledge to:
- address national and African issues (health, environment, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, etc.);
- promote technological and industrial innovation;
- foster interdisciplinary research and high-level scientific publications.
Partnerships with foreign institutions also help to showcase the university and enhance
its research impact internationally.
The university plays a key role in Cameroon's socio-economic development,
particularly by:
- training skilled labour ready to be directly employed in the public and private sectors;
- supporting start-ups and young entrepreneurs through university incubators;
- organizing conferences, seminars and scientific events open to the general public.
It also promotes the emergence of an innovation ecosystem by collaborating with
industries, businesses and government agencies to propose solutions tailored to local
and regional challenges.
The University of Yaounde I also encourages projects with a strong social impact,
particularly in the areas of public health, sustainable natural resource management and
Cameroon's digital transformation.
One of the strategic priorities of the University of Yaounde I is its openness to the
world. To this end, it:
- establishes cooperation agreements with foreign universities and research centres;
- facilitates the mobility of students and lecturers through exchange programmes and scholarships;
- actively participates in African and global academic
With these partnerships, the university is spreading its international influence and
improving its ranking in global academic assessments.
Sous la supervision du Vice-Recteur chargé de la Recherche, de la Coopération et des Relations avec le Monde des Entreprises (VRRCME), le Pr Edmond Biloa a adressé ses félicitations aux Pr Christianne Félicité Ewane et Pr Matio Paki Salé en leur souhaitant « bon vent » dans leurs nouvelles fonctions.
CELCOM-UYI
Prof. Matio Paki Rosine Magloire Salé has been appointed Secretary General of the UYI
The inauguration ceremony for the newly appointed officials at the University of Yaoundé I was held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in the Rectorate’s Assembly Hall. It was presided over by the Rector, Prof. Remy Magloire Etoua, in the presence of Minister Benoît Ndong Soumhet, Minister in Charge of Special Assignments at the Office of the President of the Republic; the Mayor of Yaoundé, Luc Messi Atangana; former members of the government; and several distinguished guests.
The officials were appointed by decree of the Head of State, His Excellency Paul Biya, on 11 August. They appointees were:
• -Prof. Matio Paki Rosine Magloire, married name Salé, appointed Secretary General;
• -Prof. Ngah Essomba Hélène Chantal, wife of Foe Ndi, appointed Director of Academic Affairs and Cooperation;
• -Prof. Emile Kenmogne, appointed Dean of FALSH;
• -Prof. Meva’a Jean Raymond Lucien, appointed Director of the IUT-Bois de Mbalmayo.
After presenting the backgrounds and profiles of the appointees, the Rector of UYI extended the following word of appreciation to the outgoing officials: "I would like to express my gratitude and that of the university community, for your commitment and dedication throughout your time at the helm of your various entities.”
Addressing the newly appointed officials, Rector Remy Magloire Etoua stated: “I invite you to frame your actions around the three pillars of Educate, Innovate, and Transform, in accordance with the guiding principles set forth by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya. Educate to impart knowledge with rigor, innovate to anticipate the challenges of tomorrow, and transform to adapt education to current changes, in order to achieve the established objectives.”
