MOVEMENT FOR THE LIBERATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CAMEROON (MLDC)
General Secretariat
Yaoundé, December 10, 2024
To the Attention of His Excellency, the Prime Minister, Head of Government
Ref: Demand for Payment of the “Research Modernization Allowance”
Subject: Advocacy for Recognizing the Role of University Lecturers through the Payment of the Research Modernization Allowance
Your Excellency,
I am writing to you as Secretary General of the Movement for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon (MLDC) to draw your attention to a critical and urgent issue: the payment of the “Research Modernization Allowance” to university lecturers in Cameroon.
The Strategic Importance of University Lecturers for Cameroon
University lecturers are a cornerstone of a prosperous and innovative society. They are not merely knowledge transmitters but also architects of social and economic transformation through research. As Paulo Freire emphasizes in Pedagogy of the Oppressed (1970), “emancipatory education relies on the valorization of those who produce and disseminate knowledge.” Neglecting their working conditions undermines not only their educational mission but also our national ambition to position Cameroon as a competitive player on the global stage.
The contributions of university lecturers, through training future generations and producing scientific knowledge, directly address economic, health, and technological challenges. For instance, the role of universities in developing local solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic was invaluable. However, their dedication cannot be sustained without appropriate material recognition.
Origin of the Allowance and Unfulfilled Commitments
The “Research Modernization Allowance” was established by Presidential Decree No. 2009/121 of April 8, 2009. This initiative, hailed at the time as a significant breakthrough, aimed to encourage academic excellence and stimulate scientific research, a key driver for national development. By taking this decision, His Excellency President Paul Biya expressed his desire to reposition Cameroon as a key player in knowledge production in Africa.
However, since its creation, this allowance has been paid sporadically, leaving university lecturers in a state of growing frustration and uncertainty. This delay in payment is perceived not only as a betrayal of the promise made by the Head of State but also as a sign of inconsistency in implementing national priorities.
Consequences of Payment Delays
The non-payment of this allowance has serious consequences:
1. Decline in Motivation and Brain Drain: Many university lecturers, disheartened by the lack of financial recognition, seek opportunities abroad. This “brain drain” phenomenon deprives Cameroon of its brightest talents.
2. Deteriorated International Image: A state that fails to honor its commitments to its academic community projects an image of poor governance and misplaced priorities. This affects our ability to attract international partners in education and research.
3. Weakening of Local Research: Without adequate financial incentives, university lecturers increasingly lack the means to fund research projects, limiting national scientific output.
As Michael Apple explains in The State and Higher Education (2000), “the devaluation of the academic body directly weakens the quality of education systems and, by extension, a state’s capacity to innovate.” Unfortunately, this truth is evident in the current situation of Cameroonian university lecturers.
Recommendations
On behalf of the MLDC, I urge you to take concrete and immediate measures to resolve this crisis. Here are our recommendations:
1. Immediate Settlement of Arrears: Publish a clear and precise schedule for the payment of allowances owed to university lecturers.
2. Creation of a Special Research Fund: Establish an independent fund, managed in collaboration with representatives of the academic community, to ensure the regularity of future payments.
3. Engagement with Stakeholders: Organize consultations with university lecturer unions to identify obstacles to implementing the allowances and effectively address them.
4. Recognition of University Lecturers: Accompany the payment of the allowance with measures to generally improve working conditions, particularly in terms of resources for research.
The Stakes for the Head of State
The President of the Republic, as the guarantor of commitments made in his name, cannot remain indifferent to this situation. The non-payment of the research modernization allowance undermines the leadership and credibility image he seeks to project. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” By supporting its university lecturers, Cameroon can demonstrate its commitment to building a better future.
Your Excellency, we cannot afford to sacrifice the future of our country by neglecting those who educate our youth and produce the knowledge necessary for our development. By acting swiftly and resolutely, you have the opportunity to correct this situation and demonstrate your commitment to education and research, which are essential pillars for transforming our nation.
In the hope of a prompt and favorable response, please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
PR JIMMY YAB
Secretary General, Movement for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon (MLDC)
Jimmy Yab 