The long-standing academic relationship between STEM Higher Institute of Health and Technological Sciences, Douala, and the University of Bamenda has officially entered a new chapter following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the University of Bamenda campus in Bambili.
While many may view the signing ceremony as the beginning of a partnership, officials from both institutions have emphasized that it is merely the formalization of a collaboration that has existed for years.
For several years, the University of Bamenda has played a mentorship role to STEM Higher Institute, supporting the institution in the training of students and the award of higher education qualifications. Before the Memorandum of Understanding was signed, students at STEM were already benefiting from academic programmes offered under the mentorship of the University of Bamenda, including Master’s degree programmes and other higher education certificates.
The MoU therefore serves to officially seal and strengthen an already successful relationship between both institutions.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bamenda, Professor Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, described the agreement as a strategic move that will further promote the image of the University of Bamenda as a state institution committed to quality education and national development.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the partnership is expected to strengthen the reputation of both institutions while expanding access to quality higher education for students across Cameroon.
For the Founder and Director of STEM Higher Institute of Health and Technological Sciences, Dr. Meh Basil Kum, the official signing is an important milestone that provides greater opportunities for students while reinforcing public confidence in the institution’s academic offerings.
“Today, we are simply concretizing what we have been promising our students and the public,” Dr. Meh said.
He explained that STEM is duly authorized by the Ministry of Higher Education and that the newly signed agreement now provides an opportunity to expand its academic programmes under the mentorship of the University of Bamenda.
Beginning with the 2026/2027 academic year, students will be able to enroll directly into Bachelor’s degree programmes offered through STEM and receive certificates issued by the University of Bamenda.
Students who have completed Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes will equally have the opportunity to pursue Top-Up Bachelor’s degree programmes at STEM, while Bachelor’s degree holders can seamlessly proceed to Master’s programmes under the same partnership.
The agreement comes as welcome news for parents and students who have often sought reassurance regarding the authenticity of certificates and the institution’s affiliation with a state university.
“We hear a lot of people asking whether we are truly mentored by a state university. Today, we are here to concretize that partnership and reassure the public that our students are fully covered academically,” Dr. Meh stated.
The institution offers a wide range of programmes across several departments.
Among them is the Department of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, which trains students in Nursing, Midwifery, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy Technology and other health-related disciplines. Students can now pursue direct Bachelor’s degree programmes in these fields or enroll in Top-Up Bachelor’s programmes after obtaining their HND qualifications.
The Department of Business and Management offers programmes in Human Resource Management, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Transport and Logistics Management, among others.
STEM is also expanding opportunities in the Department of Education and Teaching, where students will be admitted into Bachelor’s degree programmes beginning in the upcoming academic year.
Other academic departments include Law and Legal Careers, Customs and Transit, Engineering, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and several vocational and professional disciplines designed to meet current labour market demands.
According to Dr. Meh Basil Kum, STEM has been in existence since 2019 and began its academic operations during the 2020/2021 academic year. The institution has officially been collaborating with the University of Bamenda since 2023, making the signing ceremony a continuation rather than the beginning of their partnership.
“This partnership is not something new. We have been working with the University of Bamenda for years. What we are doing today is renewing and formalizing that strategic relationship for the benefit of our students and the public,” he explained.
Beyond the historic partnership with the University of Bamenda, STEM Higher Institute of Health and Technological Sciences is steadily positioning itself as an institution with a growing international academic network.
The institution has already signed an academic partnership agreement with Altinbas University in Istanbul, Turkey. This collaboration has moved beyond the signing stage and is already producing tangible opportunities for staff development and international engagement.
As part of the partnership, STEM’s first Staff Mobility Programme to Turkey is scheduled to take place this July. Approximately five staff members, including the Provost of STEM Higher Institute, are preparing to travel to Turkey for academic and institutional exchange activities. The programme is expected to strengthen institutional capacity, foster international collaboration, and provide greater exposure to global best practices in higher education.
In addition, STEM is currently in the conclusive phase of establishing an academic partnership with MAHSA University in Malaysia. The proposed collaboration will focus primarily on Medical and Biomedical specialties, creating pathways for advanced studies and international opportunities for students pursuing careers in the health sciences.
These strategic partnerships reflect STEM’s vision of producing graduates who are not only nationally competitive but also globally relevant.
On the national front, STEM continues to expand its presence. The institution currently operates its main campus in Ndobo-Bonaberi, Douala, beside the Petrolex petrol station, as well as a mini-campus in Bepanda, Douala.
To improve accessibility and outreach, STEM has established liaison offices in Kombe-Pendamboko in the Littoral Region of Cameroon and Awka in Anambra State, Nigeria. Plans are equally underway to establish another liaison office in Wum in the near future, further extending the institution’s services to prospective students and stakeholders.
These developments demonstrate STEM’s commitment to building bridges between local excellence and global opportunities.
The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Bamenda therefore represents more than a ceremonial event. It is the culmination of years of academic collaboration and a reaffirmation of STEM’s mission to provide accessible, practical, and internationally competitive higher education.
As the institution continues to expand its programmes, strengthen strategic partnerships, and widen its international footprint, one thing remains evident: STEM Higher Institute of Health and Technological Sciences is not merely preparing students for examinations—it is preparing them for careers, leadership, innovation, and global opportunities.
With an official partnership with the University of Bamenda now formalized, an active collaboration with Altinbas University in Turkey, an upcoming partnership with MAHSA University in Malaysia, and a growing national and international presence, STEM is steadily redefining what is possible for higher education in Cameroon and beyond.
For students, parents, and stakeholders, the message is clear: STEM is building pathways that extend far beyond the classroom—connecting Cameroon to the world, one student at a time.
