Cacophony Over UB–ICT Relationship? ICT University Dismisses Circulated Memo as “False” Amid Ministerial Scrutiny

        Statement from ICT University.

Confusion and conflicting narratives have surfaced over the relationship between ICT University and the University of Buea (UB), following the circulation of a purported memo addressed to the Prime Minister by the Yaounde-based institution which bare alleged misunderstandings between the two institutions. But ICT University says the document at the center of the controversy is fake.

In an official communiqué issued after an extraordinary joint session of its Board of Trustees and Senate, the ICT University “formally, categorically, and unequivocally” distanced itself from what it described as a falsely attributed correspondence. 

      ICT University Page Two Statement.

The University said it has no knowledge of the document’s origin or authenticity and insisted it does not reflect the position of any duly constituted organ of the institution.

The disclaimer it appears aims at quelling speculation that a rift had emerged between ICT University and UB, its long-standing mentorship partner.

A Partnership Under the Spotlight

Far from acknowledging any dispute, the ICT University used its statement to publicly reaffirm what it called “cordial, respectful, and mutually constructive relations” with the University of Buea.

The institution paid tribute to UB’s Vice-Chancellor, Horace Manga Ngomo, crediting him with providing leadership in the mentorship and regularization framework between the two institutions. 

  ICT University Page Three Statement.

According to ICT University, that framework established a structured and nationally compliant pathway for aligning its academic processes with regulatory standards. ICT further expressed appreciation to UB’s administration for facilitating academic documentation including transcripts and attestations in line with established procedures. It noted that its academic results have been processed and adopted by UB’s Senate in accordance with due process.

The statement also recalled that Vice-Chancellor Ngomo previously intervened publicly to refute what ICT described as inaccurate claims regarding its accreditation status, an action the University says helped restore public confidence. By emphasizing these points, ICT University appeared intent on countering any suggestion that relations with UB have deteriorated.

Ministerial Intervention on Doctorate Programs

This controversy adds to a separate development between the ICT and the Ministry of Higher Education. In a letter dated August 26, 2025, the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, instructed the ICT University to immediately suspend admissions and training for Doctorate-level programs, stating that the necessary authorization and accreditation had not been obtained.

   Letter from Ministry of Higher Education.

The Minister reminded the University that postgraduate programs fall under strict regulatory oversight designed to safeguard academic integrity and protect students. The directive calls on ICT University to halt doctoral admissions, submit relevant documentation for review, and refrain from promotional communication that could mislead prospective candidates about the programs’ status.

The letter warns that non-compliance could attract administrative sanctions, including possible withdrawal of operating licenses and legal action under existing regulations.

Silence on High-Level Correspondence

ICT University’s administration declined to comment on what it termed “high-level governmental communications,” including any alleged exchanges involving the Office of the Prime Minister. 

Nevertheless, the institution expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute and Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo for their continued support of its institutional vision, particularly in advancing technology-driven programs such as Digital Agriculture.

Managing Perception in a Sensitive Moment

The convergence of a disputed memo and a ministerial directive has fueled public debate about governance and oversight in Cameroon’s higher education sector.

While the Ministry’s position underscores regulatory compliance as a non-negotiable requirement, ICT University’s communiqué seeks to project stability, institutional partnership, and adherence to due process.

For now, the alleged memo accusing UB has been dismissed by ICT as fabricated. Whether that clarification will quiet the current cacophony or whether regulatory scrutiny over its doctoral ambitions will intensify remains to be seen.

What is clear is that in an academic environment where credibility and compliance are closely intertwined, both institutional communication and ministerial oversight carry significant weight.