Controversial appointments: Biya loses credibility on the Pondi-Daniel Abwa nomination, late Peter Agbor Tabi replaced 0

President Paul Biya on Tuesday carried out a major shake up at the head of state universities and higher institutions of learning in Cameroon. Four new rectors were appointed by the 84 year old leader. Adolphe Minkoa She, professor of law who after so many failed attempts has now taken the reins at the University of Yaoundé 2 in Soa, where he is now rector.

Florence Uphie Chinje Melo, former director of Mipromalo (a company specialize in the promotion of local materials), is now the rector of the University of Ngaoundéré. The historian, Idrissou Alioum, former inspector at the Ministry of Higher Education, is the new rector of the University of Maroua in the Far North.

A senior Chemistry lecturer, Prof. Horace Ngomo Manga, who moonlighted as Secretary General at the Ministry of Higher Education was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea. Biya also made some changes in some of the faculties. Awono Onana left the directorate of the polytechnic school. He is the new Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Yaoundé I.

The University of Yaoundé 1 recorded a funny CPDM readjustment. The former Secretary General, Prof. Jean Emmanuel Pondi, was raised to the rank of Vice-Rector while Prof. Daniel Abwa was demoted from the post of Vice-Rector to that of Secretary General. Lucien Ayissi, Professor of Philosophy, is the new Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Yaoundé.

The so-called mathematician and former cabinet minister Maurice Tchuente was made chairman of the board of the University of Yaoundé 2 replacing the late Minister Peter Agbor Tabi. Salomon Eheth, formerly in charge of the civil cabinet at the presidency, is the new director of the Institute of International Relations of Cameroon (Iric).

Retirements:
Four rectors were sent to retirement. They are Nalova Lyonga, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Edward Ako Oben who reached the age limit but named pro Chancellor of the university of Buea, Henri Amvan Zollo ex-rector of the University of Ngaoundere and Ibrahim Adamou, former rector of the University of Yaoundé 2.

By Chi Prudence Asong
Cameroon Concord News