In 2017, the Cameroonian government launched an ambitious digital project to provide 500,000 university students with laptops, an investment of 75 billion FCFA financed by a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. This program, integrated into the E-National Higher Education Network, aimed to modernize learning and accelerate the digital transformation of higher education.
However, from its announcement, the project sparked controversy. Observers questioned the relevance of such a loan, highlighting the lack of basic infrastructure in Cameroonian universities, such as classrooms, libraries and student housing. The issue of internet access has also remained a major challenge, raising doubts about the usefulness of laptops without connectivity.
The E-National Higher Education Network program aimed to transform Cameroonian universities by creating an integrated digital environment. Laptops were seen as a revolutionary educational tool, facilitating access to online resources, digital libraries and distance courses. However, nearly ten years after the launch, questions remain about the effective distribution of the 500,000 computers, their operating condition and their real impact on study conditions. Student testimonials report obsolete or quickly out-of-service equipment, due to lack of maintenance and technical monitoring.
Despite the initial investment, network infrastructures have not kept pace, increasing the digital divide between institutions. The funds allocated to laptops have not been supplemented by sufficient investments in connectivity and teacher training, hindering the promised digital transformation.
The question of whether this 75 billion FCFA was the best allocation of public resources for education remains. The choice to prioritize individual equipment over collective infrastructure continues to influence the Cameroonian university system. Indebtedness to China also raises concerns about the real benefits of this massive investment for today's students.
