Staff welfare: Higher education ministry engages Zenithe Insurance.

This was in the presence of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Prof Gabsa Wilfred, who represented Minister Jacques Ndongo. 

The President of the Mutual Fund for Staff of the Ministry, MUPESUP, Dr Wanah Litumbe Theresia, signed for the personnel while the representative of the Director General of Zenithe Insurance SA, Fouatia Collins, signed on behalf of the company. 

Officials said through the agreement, staff will benefit up to 80% medical and health coverage, effective August 1, 2026. 

Prof Gabsa said the partnership will facilitate the full health coverage of staff of the Centralised Services of the ministry, under MUPSESUP.

He said the initiative is part of reforms undertaken by the Head of State, Paul Biya, to build a competitive, inclusive, and resolutely excellence-driven university system.

“No one can ignore the fact that the performance of an administration largely depends on the well-being of its agents. By offering members of MUPESUP adapted medical and health coverage, the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, has set an essential milestone towards a modern, efficient, and humane administration,” Prof Gabsa noted.

He said the deal is the start of a new dynamic for the Ministry of Higher Education staff to feel “…more valued, protected, and supported. Health is a fundamental right”. 

He said the partnership with Zenithe Insurance S.A will see the ministry fully insuring staff across the country, and students of State universities with diverse specialised health insurance schemes.

“All categories within our higher education system are already covered under existing frameworks. Teaching staff benefit from insurance supported by 40 million FCFA in State aid,” Prof Gabsa noted.

He maintained that: “...enrolled students in State universities receive 100% health coverage at no cost to them. Support staff in State universities are likewise covered. Centralised Service staff were simply the remaining group needing formal medical coverage…”.

The Secretary General extended the staff’s gratitude to Minister Fame Ndongo, whom he said, endorsed the deal. 

He disclosed that the minister had also backed the new initiative with a financial contribution of 15 million FCFA to subsidise staff contributions.

Enter MUPESUP, Zenithe Insurance S.A representatives 

The President of the Mutual Fund for Staff of Higher Education Ministry, MUPESUP, Dr Wanah Litumbe, said the deal will provide significant financial relief to members.

She expressed gratitude to Profs Fame Ndongo and Gabsa for easing the process to reach the deal. Dr Litumbe urged members of MUPESUP to take full advantage of the deal. 

“If the personnel of the Ministry of Higher Education do not enjoy good health, they cannot carry out their daily activities effectively. We are deeply grateful to the Minister of State for encouraging this venture, enabling our staff association to secure health insurance coverage through Zenithe Insurance,” she said. 

Dr Litumbe also encouraged policy holders to follow the required procedures to ensure smooth processing. She added that coverage terms can also be adjusted over time, based on the ministry’s evolving needs.

On behalf of Zenithe Insurance SA, Fouatia Collins thanked the Ministry of Higher Education and MUPESUP for trusting the company. 

He said the company will meet the needs of MUPESUP as stipulated in the agreement. Fouatia said Zennithe Insurance will use its experience over the years to best serve MUPESUP. 

“We are fully prepared. Zenith Insurance has extensive experience partnering with higher education institutions, having long provided coverage and sponsorship for university students,” Fouatia told pressmen.

The official also remarked that: “Extending the coverage to the administrative and support staff who keep these institutions running was a natural next step to ensure a healthy, productive working environment”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3864 of Friday July 31, 2026