# University of Yaoundé

> university

**Wikidata**: [Q1518467](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1518467)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Yaoundé)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-of-yaounde

## Summary
The University of Yaoundé is a public university in Cameroon, established in 1962 as the first university in the country. It served as the primary institution of higher education until its dissolution in 1993, when it split into two separate universities: the University of Yaoundé I and the University of Yaoundé II.  

## Key Facts  
- Founded in 1962 as the University of Cameroon, renamed the University of Yaoundé in 1972.  
- Dissolved in 1993 as part of a reorganization of Cameroon's university system.  
- Located in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon.  
- Served as the foundation for two successor institutions: University of Yaoundé I and University of Yaoundé II.  
- Originally the sole university in Cameroon, playing a central role in the nation's academic development.  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was the University of Yaoundé founded?  
A: The university was founded in 1962 as the University of Cameroon, later renamed the University of Yaoundé in 1972.  

### Q: Why is the University of Yaoundé no longer active?  
A: The university was dissolved in 1993 as part of a national reorganization of higher education, leading to the creation of two separate institutions: University of Yaoundé I and University of Yaoundé II.  

### Q: What was the significance of the University of Yaoundé?  
A: It was Cameroon’s first university and the primary institution for higher education in the country until 1993, laying the groundwork for the modern university system in Cameroon.  

## Why It Matters  
The University of Yaoundé is historically significant as Cameroon’s first university, established in 1962 during a period of post-colonial nation-building. It played a critical role in educating the country’s workforce and elite, fostering academic research, and shaping the intellectual landscape of Cameroon. Its dissolution in 1993 and subsequent reorganization into two universities reflected broader efforts to expand access to higher education and specialize academic offerings. As the predecessor to the current University of Yaoundé I and II, it remains a foundational institution in Cameroon’s educational history, symbolizing the country’s commitment to intellectual and economic development.  

## Notable For  
- First university in Cameroon, established in 1962.  
- Dissolved in 1993 to form two specialized institutions: University of Yaoundé I (science and technology) and University of Yaoundé II (social sciences and humanities).  
- Originally named the University of Cameroon, renamed in 1972 to emphasize its connection to the capital city.  
- Served as the sole national university for three decades, centralizing higher education in Cameroon.  

## Body  
### Founding and History  
The University of Yaoundé was founded in 1962 as the University of Cameroon, shortly after the country gained independence from France. It was renamed the University of Yaoundé in 1972 to align with its location in the capital city. As the first and only university in Cameroon for many years, it offered a wide range of academic programs and was responsible for training the nation’s professionals, researchers, and leaders.  

### Dissolution and Legacy  
In 1993, the university underwent a significant reorganization and was officially dissolved. This led to the creation of two successor institutions:  
- **University of Yaoundé I**: Focused on scientific, medical, and technological disciplines.  
- **University of Yaoundé II**: Specialized in social sciences, humanities, and law.  
This restructuring aimed to improve the efficiency and specialization of higher education in Cameroon, addressing growing demand and diversification of academic fields.  

### Institutional Identity  
The university was classified as both a university and an open-access publisher, reflecting its role in disseminating knowledge. It was affiliated with several international library and academic networks, including VIAF, ISNI, and the Bibliothèque nationale de France. Its legacy endures through its successor institutions, which continue to be major pillars of Cameroon’s educational system.

## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File