AIMS-Cameroon challenges 62 graduates to seize opportunities beyond borders.

The graduating class comprised 45 students from the Structured Master’s Programme and 17 from the Cooperative Master’s Programme, which combines academic training with a six-month industry placement. 

According to the institution, the graduates came from across Africa and completed studies in areas including climate science, data science, quantum science, fundamental mathematics and mathematical epidemiology.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Prof Wilfred Nyongbet Gabsa, encouraged the graduates to remain open to opportunities and challenges in their professional and academic journeys as they move beyond the AIMS learning environment.

AIMS-Cameroon revealed that the ceremony marked another milestone for the institution, which has now produced 635 graduates from 30 African countries since its establishment in 2013. 

According to AIMS-Cameroon officials, many former students have gone on to careers in research, industry and public service within Africa and beyond.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the institute’s Centre President and Chief Academic Officer of the AIMS Global Network, Prof Dr Mama Foupouagnigni, highlighted the employability component of the programmes offered by the institution. 

According to him, a majority of students in the Cooperative Master’s track secured opportunities with organisations that hosted them during internships. 

Prof Dr Foupouagnigni said of the 17 students placed in industry, 10 were retained by their host institutions after completing their placements. AIMS-Cameroon further described the 2025-2026 Academic Year as a landmark period for the institution. 

According to officials, student enrolment rose from 60 to 108, the largest cohort within the AIMS network. The institution credited the expansion to its relocation to a newly constructed campus in Ngeme, Limbe in August 2025 and the introduction of a new programme in Mathematical Epidemiology.

According to the institution, academic activities during the year involved lecturers, researchers and tutors from several countries across Africa, Europe and North America. 

The school noted that students conducted research projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, climate science and data science, while partnerships with universities and scientific organisations continued to support teaching and research activities.

The institute also reported strong links with industry, with all students completing their internships successfully. AIMS-Cameroon said entrepreneurship initiatives were strengthened through innovation activities that led to the creation of four student-led ventures under the AXIOM incubator programme.

Zoom on class of 2026 

According to information made public by the institution, the Class of 2026 reflected its Pan-African character. The institution said the 2026 cohort brought together students from countries including Cameroon, Benin, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda and Sudan. 

The class included 15 women among the 62 graduates. The best-performing student was Jordan De Kenang Tagni of Cameroon, who specialised in stochastic analysis and graduated with distinction.

Students completed their studies through two pathways: the research-focused Structured Master’s Programme, designed to prepare candidates for doctoral studies, and the Cooperative Master’s Programme, which integrates academic training with professional experience through employer placements.

A keynote lecture during the ceremony was delivered by climate scientist Dr Mouhamadou Bamba Sylla, who spoke on the role of mathematics and physics in understanding climate change and shaping future responses to global environmental challenges.

Looking ahead

AIMS-Cameroon is preparing for further expansion during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. The next cohort is expected to arrive in August 2026, with the institute projecting more than 100 graduates in June 2027.

Plans for the coming academic cycle include 59 courses across nine teaching blocks, delivered by lecturers from multiple countries and continents. 

The institute is also considering new programmes in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development, Mathematical Modelling for Development, Mathematics and Applications, Mathematical Sciences for Teachers, and a Mathematics Excellence and Diversity bachelor’s degree.

About AIMS-Cameroon

Founded in 2013, AIMS-Cameroon is part of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences network, a Pan-African system of centres dedicated to training and research in the mathematical sciences. The network began in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2003 and now operates centres in South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda and Cameroon.

Based in Limbe, AIMS-Cameroon provides postgraduate training in mathematical sciences and supports research linked to African development priorities. 

During the 2025-2026 Academic Year, the institute enrolled 108 students selected from more than 2,200 applicants across over 30 countries, while teaching was delivered by international faculty drawn from several parts of the world.

The institution says it remains committed to developing mathematical science talent, strengthening employability and supporting Africa’s scientific and socio-economic development through advanced education and research.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3833 of Tuesday June 30, 2026