Digital Interconnectivity and the Emergence of Aintegrated University Governance has The University of Yaoundé I
Abstract:
: Cameroonian higher education is undergoing a gradual transformation driven by the e-National Higher Education Network project, part of the Digital Cameroon 2020 Strategy. It is within this context that this study analyzes the impact of network interconnectivity on the emergence of integrated digital governance. University of Yaoundé I. The research question examines the capacity of networking services and faculties to transform institutional management. Based on a systemic approach and rhizome theory, the research posits that organized, two-way communication fosters fluid governance. It adopts a constructivist, dynamic approach and a mixed methodology (explanatory and correlational), combining a quantitative survey (n=429) (students, teachers, staff) from six institutions within the University of Yaoundé I, seven semi-structured interviews, and a document analysis. The results indicate a partial development of interconnectivity. Statistical analyses reveal strong correlations between interconnectivity and ease of use, but a weak predictive effect on the overall adoption of digitalization (β=0.072; p=0.233). Qualitatively, collaborative practices often remain informal, hampered by hierarchical rigidities and infrastructural gaps. In conclusion, the study confirms that interconnectivity is a lever for integrated governance, while highlighting the need to remove structural barriers. It recommends that authorities accelerate the integration of systems and the formalization of protocols to build a truly high-performing digital ecosystem.
KeyWords:
Interconnectivity, Governance, Digital Technology, University, Yaoundé 1
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