The Pan African University Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) has conferred doctoral degrees upon 27 graduates at its 11th Graduation Ceremony, held at the University of Yaoundé II-SOA, on March 5, 2026. The graduates, representing 20 African Union Member States, completed the PhD Programme in Governance and Regional Integration — the flagship academic programme of the institute.

The ceremony brought together senior representatives from the African Union Commission, the Government of Cameroon, and partner universities, reflecting the broad institutional support that has underpinned PAUGHSS since its establishment. Among those present were Prof. Jean Koulidiati, Rector of the Pan African University, and Prof. Horace Ngomo Manga, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buea — whose institution hosts PAUGHSS's Translation and Conference Interpretation programmes at its Buea campus. The African Union Commission was represented by Prof. Saidou Madougou, Director of the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), who attended on behalf of H.E. Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, ESTI Commissioner. The ceremony was held under the auspices of the representative of H.E. Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education and Chancellor of Academic Orders of the Republic of Cameroon.

What made this edition particularly notable was the convergence of three PhD cohorts at a single ceremony. Graduates from the 5th, 7th, and 8th Promotions of the programme all crossed the finish line together — a moment that underscored both the resilience of the students and the institution's continued forward momentum. Among the 27 graduates, 14 are men and 13 are women, a near-equal gender balance that reflects the African Union's deliberate commitment to equity in continental higher education.

The graduating class itself is a portrait of African integration. Representing 20 Member States, these 27 doctors bring together five regions of the continent, united by a shared commitment to advancing governance and regional integration in Africa.

That spirit of shared purpose ran through the addresses delivered at the ceremony. Speaking on behalf of Commissioner Banyankimbona, Prof. Madougou called the occasion "one of the most tangible expressions of what our department exists to do: build human capacity across Africa." He drew a direct line between the graduates' years of doctoral research and the imperatives of Agenda 2063 — the African Union's blueprint for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent — reminding the graduating class that visions of continental transformation require people with the knowledge, rigour, and commitment to implement them. His closing words set the tone for what lies ahead: "The Africa We Want does not begin tomorrow. It begins today, the moment you walk out of this hall."

Prof. Ngomo Manga echoed that call, reaffirming the University of Buea's commitment to the PAU partnership and extending special congratulations to Dr. Carine Njoumessi and Dr. Lieketso Seutla, two members of the graduating class who are alumni of the Buea-based programmes.

PAUGHSS is one of five thematic institutes of the Pan African University, itself a flagship initiative of the African Union. Hosted by the University of Yaoundé II-SOA, PAUGHSS trains graduate and doctoral students from across the continent in governance, regional integration, translation, and conference interpretation, in alignment with the African Union's Agenda 2063.

For further information, please contact:
Ms Claudette Chancelle BILAMPASSI MOUTSATSI | ESTI Department- Pan African University | African Union Commission | E-mail: BilampassiC@africanunion.org | Tel: +251 11 518 2014/ +251 11 5182518 |
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org