University of Yaounde I

The University of Yaoundé I is a prestigious public university located in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon. Founded in 1962, the university is recognized as one of the leading academic institutions in the country, providing a high-quality education to students from all over Cameroon and beyond. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences. With a commitment to academic excellence and research, the university provides students with a rigorous academic curriculum, practical experience, and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

The history of the University of Yaoundé I can be traced back to the establishment of the Higher Teacher's Training College of Yaoundé (HTTC) in 1961. The HTTTC was created by the French colonial government to train teachers for the newly independent country of Cameroon. In 1962, the HTTTC was merged with the newly created Faculty of Law and Political Science to form the Federal University of Yaoundé. The Federal University of Yaoundé was the first university in Cameroon and it quickly became the country's leading institution of higher education. In 1972, the university was renamed the University of Yaoundé, reflecting the country's new unitary status.

The University of Yaoundé continued to grow and develop throughout the 1970s and 1980s. By the early 1990s, the university had over 20,000 students enrolled in a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. However, the university was also facing a number of challenges, including overcrowding, underfunding, and a lack of qualified faculty.

In response to these challenges, the Cameroonian government implemented a university reform in 1993. The reform split the University of Yaoundé into two separate entities: the University of Yaoundé I and the University of Yaoundé II. The University of Yaoundé I has played a leading role in the development of higher education in Cameroon. The university has produced many of the country's leading scientists, engineers, and business leaders. The university has also been a major force for social and political change in Cameroon.

University of Yaounde I is ranked as the #4 top university in Cameroon during 2025.