SECULARISM IN THE CAMEROONIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM: PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES
Keywords:
secularism, Cameroon, education, neutrality, inclusivity, religion, national unity.Abstract
Cameroon's educational system is characterized by a complex interplay of state and religious influences. This paper examines the concept of secularism in Cameroon's educational system, exploring its historical roots, current challenges, and implications for national unity. The paper argues that secularism is essential for promoting inclusivity, tolerance, and academic freedom in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society like Cameroon.
The paper discusses the constitutional provisions and laws governing secularism in education, highlighting the state's efforts to promote neutrality and inclusivity. However, it also examines the challenges posed by the growing influence of religious groups and the need for effective regulation. The paper concludes that a robust secular framework is necessary to ensure equal access to quality education for all Cameroonians, regardless of their religious affiliations.
The paper recommends strengthening the regulatory framework, promoting interfaith dialogue, and enhancing teacher training on secularism to address the challenges. It also calls for increased efforts to promote critical thinking and media literacy to counter extremist ideologies. By upholding secularism, Cameroon's educational system can foster a culture of tolerance, mutual respect, and national cohesion.
References
1. Audi, R. (2011). Democratic authority and the separation of church and state. Oxford University Press.
2. Baubérot, J. (2014). La laïcité expliquée à Nicolas Sarkozy… et à ceux qui écrivent ses discours. Albin Michel.
3. Berger, P. L. (1999). The desecularization of the world: Resurgent religion and world politics. Eerdmans.
4. Biesta, G. (2015). Good education in an age of measurement: Ethics, politics, democracy. Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315635811
5. Boulenger, D., & Criel, B. (2012). The difficult relationship between faith-based organisations and the public sector in sub-Saharan Africa: The case of contracting experiences in Cameroon, Tanzania, Chad and Uganda. Medicus Mundi: Studies in Health Services Organisation and Policy. https://www.itg.be/Files/docs/shsop/shsop29.pdf(open in a new window).
6. Chem-Langhëë, B. (1983). The role of traditional authorities in the politics of the Cameroon Grassfields. Michigan State University Press.
7. Chidester, D. (2012). Religion education and the challenge of pluralism. University of Cape Town Press.
8. Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and education: An introduction to the philosophy of education. Macmillan.
9. Durkheim, E. (1956). Education and sociology (S. D. Fox, Trans.). Free Press. (Original work published 1922).
10. Fafunwa, A. B. (1974). History of education in Nigeria. George Allen & Unwin.
11. Fonkeng, G. E. (2006). The history of education in Cameroon, 1844–2004. Paedagogica Historica, 42(1–2), 45–60.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00309230600579044
12. Fonkeng, G. E. (2007). Education and development in Cameroon: A historical perspective. Educational Research and Reviews, 2(9), 221–225.
13. Frankline, Y. B., & Shalanyuy, Y. C. (2026). The metaphysics of personhood in the Nso worldview. ISAR Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(1), 46–50.
14. Gutmann, A. (1999). Democratic education (Rev. ed.). Princeton University Press.
https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt7rskz
15. Herzig Van Wees, S. (2019). “ Hidden Catholics”,” faith-blind” donors and” FBO empires": A mixed-methods study on donor engagement of faith-based organisations in the Cameroonian health system. SOAS University of London.
16. Kymlicka, W. (2007). Multicultural citizenship within multinational states. Ethics, 117(4), 747–775.
https://doi.org/10.1086/521221
17. Letseka, M. (2012). In defence of Ubuntu. Studies in Philosophy and Education, 31(1), 47–60.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11217-011-9267-2
18. Mbembe, A. (2001). On the postcolony. University of California Press.
https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520917537
19. Mbiti, J. S. (1969). African religions and philosophy. Heinemann.
20. Mbiti, J. S. (2015). African religions and philosophy (2nd ed.). Waveland Press.
21. Metz, T. (2011). Ubuntu as a moral theory and human rights in South Africa. African Human Rights Law Journal, 11(2), 532–559.
22. Njimoluh, L. D. (2006). The Cameroon GCE Board: Its history and mandate. Design House.
23. Nkwi, P. N. (2014). Religion, education and social change in Cameroon. African Studies Review, 57(3), 1–20.
https://doi.org/10.1017/asr.2014.86
24. Nkwi, P. N., & Warnier, J.-P. (1982). Elements for a history of the Western Grassfields (Cameroon). University of Yaoundé Press.
25. Nussbaum, M. C. (2012). The new religious intolerance: Overcoming the politics of fear in an anxious age. Harvard University Press.
26. Ocitti, J. P. (1973). African indigenous education: As practised by the Acholi of Uganda. East African Literature Bureau.
27. Republic of Cameroon. (1996). The Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon (as amended). Government Printer.
28. Republic of Cameroon. (1998). Law No. 98/004 of 14 April 1998 to lay down guidelines for education in Cameroon. Government Printer.
29. Strike, K. A. (1994). On the construction of public speech: Pluralism and public reason. Educational Theory, 44(1), 1–26.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-5446.1994.00001.x
30. Strike, K. A. (2010). Ethical leadership in schools: Creating community in an educational setting. Corwin Press.
31. Suberu, R. T. (2009). Religion and institutions: Federalism and the management of conflicts over Sharia in Nigeria. Journal of International Development, 21(4), 547–560.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jid.1572
32. Taylor, C. (2007). A secular age. Harvard University Press.
https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674044286
33. Taylor, C. (2011). Why we need a radical redefinition of secularism. In E. Mendieta & J. VanAntwerpen (Eds.), The power of religion in the public sphere (pp. 34–59). Columbia University Press.
34. UNESCO. (2010). Education sector analysis: Cameroon. UNESCO Publishing.
35. Villalón, L. A. (2015). Islamic society and state power in Senegal: Disciples and citizens in Fatick. Cambridge University Press.
