BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYABILITY: A STUDY OF SCIENCE GRADUATES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF YAOUNDE I AND THE LABOUR MARKET IN CAMEROON / LES DIPLÔMÉS DE LA FACULTÉ DES SCIENCES DE L’UNIVERSITÉ DE YAOUNDÉ I FACE AU MARCHÉ DE L’EMPLOI
Abstract
Unemployment among young graduates represents a significant challenge in Cameroon. This phenomenon is widespread and particularly affects graduates of Higher Education, especially those from the Faculty of Science at the University of Yaounde I. This situation reflects, to some extent, a mismatch between the training programmes offered and the actual needs of the job market. This study seeks to demonstrate that this mismatch constitutes one of the factors contributing to the challenges graduates of this institution encounter when entering the professional world, and proposes that an effective alignment be established between the skills imparted and the demands of the job market. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys of graduates, interviews with employers, and analysis of training programmes, the findings reveal a disconnect between the curriculum content and the profiles sought in the labour market. This study, therefore, advocates a curricular reform that incorporates more practical and professional skills, the development of partnerships between universities and businesses, as well as the establishment of mechanisms to monitor graduate employment outcomes. These measures are essential to enhance the employability of graduates and to reduce the unemployment rate that affects young people in Cameroon.
Le chômage des jeunes diplômés constitue un défi majeur au Cameroun. Ce phénomène est largement répandu et frappe particulièrement les diplômés de l’enseignement supérieur, notamment ceux de la Faculté des Sciences de l’Université de Yaoundé I. Cette situation dans une certaine mesure d’une inadéquation entre les offres de formation proposées et les besoins réels du marché de l’emploi. Cette étude vise à démontrer que cette inadéquation est l’une des causes de la difficulté d’insertion socioprofessionnelle des diplômés de cette institution, et propose d’établir une correspondance efficace entre les compétences enseignées et les exigences professionnelles. À travers une approche méthodologique mixte combinant enquêtes quantitatives auprès des diplômés, entretiens avec les employeurs et analyse des programmes de formation, les résultats révèlent un décalage entre le contenu pédagogique et les profils attendus sur le marché de l’emploi. L’étude préconise alors une réforme curriculaire intégrant davantage de compétences pratiques et professionnelles, le développement de partenariats entre université et entreprises, ainsi que la mise en place de dispositifs de suivi de l’insertion professionnelle. Ces mesures sont essentielles pour améliorer l’employabilité des diplômés et réduire le taux de chômage qui fragilise la jeunesse camerounaise.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i11.6255
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