Strengthening the University of Buea’s internal mechanisms to promote good governance and curb corruption
A project led by IGI / FITCAM, and supported by Partnership for Transparency Fund
Cameroon is a country of youth: 41% of the 18.5 million population is aged 14 or under, and the median age is just 19. It is also perceived to be a society where corruption is rife. If the fight for integrity is to be won, it is vital that these young people experience a clean and honest system, as they go through their education. They need models of good governance, not worked examples in corruption. The valuable resources poured into education must also be used wisely, and not squandered, so that Cameroon can see real improvement in the lives of its citizens.
Focal Integrity Team Cameroon, an affiliate of IGI has commenced a project in University of Buea. Investigating the University system, FITCAM came across a number of unethical and corrupt practices, such as lack of transparency in the management of research grants, poor management of contracts, unethical student lecturer relations, falsification of university documents as well as lack of quality procedure in the appointment of university staff and officials.
The UB programme public launch meeting was held on a sunny Wednesday 15th July, 2009 in the University town of Buea. The program which kicked off at 9:00am prompt began with the singing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Cameroon and an opening prayer from the IMAM of the Muslim Community in Buea. A welcome address from the IGI Deputy Country Director closely followed after the prayer. Subsequently, a brief speech from the representative of the Lord Mayor of Buea followed. The representative of the Governor of the South West Region, Mr. Edwin Nkenya Ngwana also gave out a speech, wherein he officially declared open the Anti-Corruption program for the University of Buea.
The launch was attended six government officials (including representatives of the Governor of the South West Region, the Mayor of Buea, the South West Development Authority and the Local Government Training Centre). Also present was the visiting Commonwealth expert for Cameroon - Professor Ngotho wa Kariuki, as well as two traditional Chiefs from neighboring villages in the Region. Shortly after the opening ceremony, there was a press conference with the participation of major media houses in the country, with both local and national coverage. Naturally, there were also attendees from other civil society organizations and as well as officials from the University.
The launch was followed by three days of workshops for the University of Buea anti- Corruption Sub-Committee Members on corruption monitoring, effective financial management practices, public ethics and public service efficiency monitoring tools, so as to strengthen the knowledge capacity of the newly installed Sub Committee Members. The training workshops were led by professional facilitators, and participants were given copies of a specially produced handbook. Copies of the handbook have also been distributed to key libraries.
In building the training modules and concept notes, IGI FITCAM applied an innovative approach of including the religious factor to awaken the consciences of participants on the ills of corruption before proceeding with the other sets of modules. The training modules included issues of eliminating corruption in finance and procurement, but also corruption in educational relationships and awards. They provided tools for tracking of expenditure, understanding budgeting processes, developing corruption prevention plans and various other monitoring activities.
The workshops will now be followed by a three-month investigative research exercise to track sectors and areas in the University system prone to fraud, financial mismanagement and poor ethical practices in order to develop a comprehensive and responsive strategic action plan that will seal identified gaps and weaknesses in the system of the University. The overall exercise will track over 40% of the University’s budget.
Phase III will be a forum to consider the results of the investigative research exercise and develop a responsive strategy, which will be launched at a further one day forum.
Interest has also been shown by senior officials in other government functions for the provision of similar training. Please watch out for further reports as the project progresses.
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For an example of press coverage of the launch within Cameroon, please click:
Corruption is a Sensitive Issue in Education Sector
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For more information on PTF: www.ptfund.org