Biya bows to pressure, announces ‘special’ recruitment of PhD holders

After two weeks of sleeping at the premises of the Ministry of higher education in Yaoundé, the Presidency has finally announced a special recruitment for striking PhD holders.

The lecturers had made camp at the Ministry after they decried the first phase of the recruitment of 2000 PhD holders in state universities.

The lists they said had ‘ghost’ workers as well as other persons gainfully employed in different sectors. Talks between higher education minister Jacques Fame Ndongo and them had failed as a majority of them noted that by the next phase of the recruitment, they’d have past the maximum age. Minister Fame Ndongo later told them the decision was the President’s to make.

The scorching sun, the provocations and the difficulties they faced camping at the Ministry for two weeks, the PhD holders had said were not going to stop them from demanding what is rightfully theirs.

One of the protesting PhD holders, Dr. Lekane Mvomou at one point of the protest had even attempted to take her own life.

President Biya last night through a release by Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh Secretary General at the Presidency finally granted the wish, announcing a special recruitment of PhD holders.

Despite the move, many say they are still keen to follow how the entire process is set to be conducted. The decision is also being criticised by many for not dealing with the aspect of ghost civil servants, those with fraudulent certificates and those getting two salaries without working for them.

While the package may not be all they wanted, some however agree it is a step in the right direction and definitely a new year’s gift for the protesting PhD holders.