University Staff General Assembly
Rector Outlines Progress and 2025–2026 Outlook
Dschang, January 15 .The General Assembly of Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff of the University held on January 15 2025 at the Djoumessi Mathias International Conference Centre provided an opportunity for the Head of the Institution, Professor Roger Tsafack Nanfosso, to present a 10-point address on the state of the university, highlighting achievements of the 2024/2025 academic year and projections for 2025/2026.
In his presentation, the Rector announced a 79% academic success rate, with 427 PhD theses defended during the period under review. He also marked a historic milestone with the graduation of the first batch of students from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMPS), describing them as the university’s first “Made in UDs” graduates.
Professor Tsafack Nanfosso commended recent staff promotions through Presidential Decree, Ministerial Order and Rectorial Decision, noting improved gender representation in university management, including two female Vice-Rectors, two female Deans, two women in key financial positions and 78 female Heads of Office in the university’s managerial spectrum.
On institutional visibility, the Rector cited several international distinctions, including the Dean of FMPS being named Fellow of the Royal College of Medicine and the university’s outstanding performance at the CAMES aggregation, where it produced a Major and Vice Major. The university also recorded strong performances at the Consultative Committee of University Institutions (CCIU) and Inter-African Advisory Committees (CCI) of CAMES
Regarding human resources, the university currently has 742 teaching staff including 118 Assistant Lecturers, 293 Senior Lecturers, 197 Associate Professors and 133 Full Professors and 638 non-teaching staff, with a student-to-lecturer ratio of 1:25. He disclosed that 157 non-teaching staff were promoted during the November 2025 Advancement Commission, though he cautioned against acts of indiscipline within the workforce.
The Rector further highlighted the approval of new academic departments by the Minister of Higher Education and praised the university’s strong scientific output, marked by numerous national and international conferences and research activities.
On campus safety and hygiene, Professor Tsafack Nanfosso stated the recruitment of 74 security personnel, while expressing concern over rising cases of theft and aggression. He also revealed that 79 solar panels were under repair to improve campus lighting and called for collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness across campuses, including toilet facilities and public spaces.
Addressing cooperation and development, the Rector reported strengthened international partnerships, with several conventions signed and 88 private higher education institutions now under the university’s mentorship. Staff, he noted, continue to benefit from the Erasmus Mundus Programme which provides an opportunity individual development.
Infrastructure and entrepreneurship also featured prominently, with updates on initiatives such as UDs Water, the University Press, and the on-going creation of a university enterprise. New facilities, including a lecturers’ pavilion, improved entrance gates and sanitation infrastructure, were unveiled. He thanked the Head of State for the donation of a bus to the university.
In terms of social governance, the Rector praised the university’s victory at the CHAZU zonal championships and outlined the institution’s insurance policy with AXA and Zenith Insurance, currently covering lecturers and students, with plans underway to include non-teaching staff.
Looking ahead, Professor Tsafack Nanfosso announced the opening of PhD admissions, with 600 students to be admitted nationwide into Doctorate Year One, 60 of whom will be allocated to the University, in disciplines aligned with the SND30 national development strategy.
The year continues with key emphasis on discipline, commitment, assiduity, innovation on the route to making the University of Dschang a pinnacle of excellence
