The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education – MINJEC and the University of Yaounde I – UYI Ngoa-Ekelle have signed a five-year renewable Memorandum of Understanding – MoU aimed at strengthening students’ transition from education to employment and entrepreneurship.
The agreement, signed on July 24, 2026, in Yaounde, seeks to improve socio-economic integration by equipping students with practical skills, entrepreneurial opportunities, and a stronger sense of civic responsibility. The ceremony was presided over by Minister Mounouna Foutsou alongside the Rector of the University of Yaounde I, Prof. Rémy Magloire Etoua.
The partnership targets regular students aged 15 to 35 who are registered with the National Youth Observatory – NYO and possess the Biometric Youth Card. It focuses on civic education, national integration, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and youth participation in community development.
Through the agreement, students will gain access to MINJEC’s support mechanisms, including business incubation programmes, socio-economic integration initiatives, and internship opportunities, while also receiving assistance with ONJ registration and enrollment for the Biometric Youth Card.
As part of the collaboration, the University of Yaounde I has committed to integrating civic, moral, and entrepreneurial education into its academic programmes with the support of MINJEC. The institution will equally mobilize students to take part in activities organized under the partnership and make its lecture halls, classrooms, and communication platforms available for training, awareness campaigns, and entrepreneurship related events.
The agreement further opens new economic opportunities for young people by connecting student projects to MINJEC’s financing windows. It also provides for young learners from the Multipurpose Youth Promotion Centres to benefit from the university’s incubation structures, subject to available capacity.
According to Prof. Rémy Magloire Etoua, the partnership combines the university’s academic expertise with MINJEC’s experience in youth empowerment to nurture innovation and strengthen students’ access to development opportunities.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister Mounouna Foutsou reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs through incubation and financing programmes. He noted that MINJEC is prepared to accompany young people from the early stages of developing their business ideas to accessing appropriate funding.
Faculty members also welcomed the initiative, with Prof. Meka of the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences highlighting the value of bringing professionals closer to students through mentorship and practical guidance.
To ensure the partnership delivers tangible results, both institutions will appoint focal points to coordinate implementation, produce quarterly progress reports, and hold biannual review meetings. Annual work plans will guide activities and measure performance.
Beyond the formal agreement, the partnership is expected to create a lasting bridge between higher education and public youth support programmes, enabling students to transform their academic knowledge into employment, entrepreneurship, and meaningful contributions to Cameroon’s socio-economic development.
