Contemporary Research Analysis Journal

Cameroonian higher education is undergoing a gradual transformation driven by the e-National Higher Education Network project, as part of Cameroon’s Digital 2020 Strategy. It is within this context that this study analyzes the impact of network interconnectivity on the emergence of integrated digital governance. This study examines the capacity of the networking of services and faculties to transform institutional management at the University of Yaoundé I of the networking of services and faculties to transform institutional management. Based on a systemic approach and rhizome theory, the research posits that organized two-way communication fosters more fluid governance. It adopts a constructivist, dynamic approach and a mixed methodology (explanatory and correlational), combining a quantitative survey (n=429) of students, teachers and administrative 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 address/remove key structural barriers. It recommends that authorities accelerate the integration of systems and the formalization of protocols to build a truly high-performing digital ecosystem.

Interconnectivity, Governance, Digital Technology, Higher Education, University of Yaoundé I.

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