REUNIFICATION AND THE DEMISE OF THE WEST CAMEROON EDUCATION BOARD, 1961-1972: AN HISTORICAL APPRAISAL OF THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS

Authors: Caleb Animbom Gopte, Nixon Kahjum Takor, PhD & Roland Ntongwe Ndille

ABSTRACT

This paper looks at the demise of the West Cameroon Education Board from the perspective of an outcome of financial constraints on the West Cameroon Government. It argues that the educational choices of the West Cameroon Government significantly accentuated financial constraints which contributed to the fragilization and eventual demise of the Education Board, ultimately paving the way for the interference of the Federal Government in the West Cameroon educational system. The paper uses the historical-analytical method to interpret data collected mostly from the National Archives Buea (NAB) and presents findings according to the chronological and thematic approach. It reveals that the rapid expansion of education in West Cameroon between 1961 and 1969 accentuated financial constraints on Government which helped to fragilize the Education Board. This made the West Cameroon educational system vulnerable to Federal Government interference and eventual take over by 1972. Thus, accounting for the demise of the West Cameroon Education Board.

Keywords: Federal Government, Financial Constraints, West Cameroon Education Board

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