The Research Centre for Political and Strategic Studies (CREPS) which is the Doctorate School of Political Science, International Relations and Communication of the University of Yaoundé II in Soa has graduated its first batch of PhD holders in Political Science.

The first batch of four candidates each took a little over three hours in front of a jury of eminent professions from the University of Yaoundé II, Soa, the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, IRIC, the University of Yaoundé I and the University of Ngaoundere as well as top ranking military officers from the Ministry of Defence.

The first of four Candidates to first face the jury was Nzoukou Fotsing Wilfride Gilbert. His thesis was entitled “Doctrine Militaire insurrectionnelle et contre insurrectionnelle Camerounaises: entre convergence aux model extérieur et innovation nationale”.

The work which compares Cameroon’s military doctrine in the fight against uprising with those of other countries demonstrated that the Cameroonian army has remained innovative and creative in the face of different forms of menaces since its creation in the 1960s.

His work was highly saluted by a jury member, Army General Pierre Semengue, former Army Chief of Staff who further explained how the army under his command adapted in function to the operation. At the end of the heated defence, Nzoukou Fotsing Wilfride Gilbert was awarded the title Doctor Ph. D in Political Science with the grade, “Très Honorable”.

He was followed by Lionel Messia who faced another jury with his thesis entitled “La Militarisation de la Diplomatie Camerounais” translated as the Militarisation of Cameroonian Diplomacy.

The researcher used historical facts, findings made on the field and other information gathered from Military, diplomatic and other sources to justify the involvement of the military in diplomacy. Major General Ngamou Essai, commander of the International War College of Simbock in Yaounde, showed keen interest in the research work which ties with one of the missions of his institution.

At the close of the three-hour defence Lionel Messia was awarded the title Doctor Ph. D in Political Science with the grade, “Tres Honouble”.

Edouard Epiphane Yogo also defended a Ph.D thesis on the fragility of states. The scholar outlined some of the causes of the fragility of states especially in Africa based on the historical but more importantly their economic and political foundation. The detailed and concise research work that proposes solutions to political leaders earned him the grade, “Très Honorable”.

The research just like that of the other candidates was supervised by Professor Ntuda Ebode of the University of Yaounde II Soa, Director of the Research Centre for Political and Strategic Studies in Cameroon.

The lone female candidate of the batch, Manga Grace, earned her PhD with honours “Très Honorable” with congratulations from the jury and an authorisation to publish her work entitled “Le Gabon, Le Cameroun, leur relations avec la mer: Entre dynamique de nationalisme maritime de sécurité”.