University of Bamenda: Chiatoh Collins bags first PhD from Communication & Development department.

He was awarded a PhD in Communication, setting a new academic benchmark for the department.

Chiatoh defended a thesis titled: “Cultural Sustainability and Communicative Responsibility within the Decentralisation Process in Cameroon’s Special Status Regions”. 

It was before a jury chaired by Professor Victor Ngu Cheo, with Professors Awang Ollong Kingsly and Yenshu Emmanuel serving as examiners, and Professor Muluh Henry as member. 

The research was supervised by Professor Robert Akoko, with Professor Talla Richard as co-supervisor.

The study examined efforts to promote cultural sustainability and communicative responsibility within the implementation of decentralisation in Cameroon’s North West and South West Regions, which enjoy a Special Status under the 2019 General Code of Regional and Local Authorities. 

Introduced following the Major National Dialogue, the Special Status seeks to preserve the regions’ Anglo-Saxon educational, legal, and cultural heritage, while granting greater local autonomy. However, implementation has remained a subject of debate amid the ongoing Anglophone crisis that has affected the two Regions since 2016.

Milestone for Chiatoh

Speaking shortly after the defense, Chiatoh described his achievement as both an honour and a responsibility.

“Being the pioneer means I should be the flag-bearer. It’s very important for the Department of Communication and Development Studies. Being the pioneer also means I need to be able to give back to this department, and I am very conscious of that responsibility,” he said.

Explaining the motivation behind his research, Chiatoh said his professional experience working with councils exposed him to the realities of decentralisation, prompting him to investigate the role of culture and communication in making the process more effective.

“Decentralisation is the government’s principal approach towards promoting local development in Cameroon, but there are many gaps. It is important to take into consideration cultural sensitivity when implementing decentralisation,” he noted.

He argued that culture extends beyond language and traditions to include the educational system, media landscape, and the broader worldview of the people.

“If you don’t contextualise and consider cultural realities, I am afraid decentralisation will miss the mark,” he added.

The researcher further criticised what he described as conventional government communication, saying official messages often fail to reach and engage grassroots populations.

“Communication should enhance understanding and reduce conflict. Citizens must understand decentralszation and become active stakeholders in the process,” he emphasised.

Looking ahead, Chiatoh said he intends to continue researching decentralisation and contribute to public policy in Cameroon and across Africa.

Enter Head of Department 

Speaking after the defense, the Head of the Department of Communication and Development Studies, Dr. Tanwie Talom Gilbert, described the defense as a groundbreaking moment for the department.

“This is pioneering and groundbreaking. I cannot help but thank the Vice Chancellor for constituting this jury, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, the President of the Scientific Committee, and the candidate who worked tirelessly to make this day possible,” he said.

According to the Head of Department, the thesis addresses one of Cameroon’s most pressing governance issues.

“This thesis was very topical because it investigates the challenges in implementing decentralisation and proposes relevant solutions. It can go a long way in serving as a policy guide going forward, and we are very proud of the work accomplished here today,” he stated.

Since becoming operational in 2016, the Department of Communication and Development Studies in the Faculty of Arts has built a reputation for combining academic theory with practical professional training. 

The department continues to attract growing student enrolment each academic year and has produced graduates serving in journalism, strategic communication, development practice, and related fields across the globe.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3861 of Tuesday July 28, 2026