Paul Biya honoured by the CAMES

During the closing ceremony presided on Tuesday by the Prime Minister, President Paul Biya has been elevated to the rank of Grand-cross of the International Order of the Academics.

A distinction in order to recognize the efforts made by President Paul Biya in promoting higher education.

The Prime Minister, Head of Government, was received yesterday in Biya's name at the Congress Palace in Yaounde. The award was handed by Professor Bertrand Mbatchi, Secretary General of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES) and Chancellor of International Order of Academic Achievements.

It was during the closing ceremony of the 17th examination on human medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary and animal production of the Council.

On behalf of the President, Philemon Yang said: "President Paul Biya asked me to thank the CAMES for giving him the award". In the audience made up of ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, the academic community and candidates, the prime minister said on behalf of the Head of State, "This prestigious award honours the entire state of Cameroon and all those who, since our independence, worked with us in the development of our university system."

A system which now has eight state universities, 163 private institutions of higher education, two virtual universities, free zone and a university grid. Also, 350,000 students, 5,000 teachers and 4,000 support staff. "This list is impressive and Cameroon is proud," noted Philemon Yang.

Not without noting that the president also instructed the government to accelerate the professionalization of teaching. Since then, the National Polytechnic College of Yaoundé, the School of Economics and Commerce of Douala and Maroua Higher Institute that trains students in the creation and management of companies.

After congratulating all those who contributed to the organization of the 17th examination, Philemon Yang said: "The head of state instructed me to inform you that the efforts of CAMES is a major contribution to the success of the struggle our people and leaders are waging against poverty and for the progress of our societies."

In attendance were delegations from 19 African universities who were present on the day of announcement of the results of this examination which opened on November 3.

We learn that the 17th CAMES examination organized in Yaounde was a success on all fronts. 189 candidates applied and 157 were admitted with a success rate of 83.6%.

Senegal and the Ivory Coast who submitted the largest number of candidates had several winners. Of the 10 vying from Cameroon, nine are now masters of the aggregated conference.