This paper explores key institutional barriers that hinder meaningful community engagement within Cameroonian universities. Following a qualitative approach, it employs two methods of data collection namely semi-structured online interviews and document analysis to obtain valuable insights on these challenges and identify strategies to overcome them. The study found that the most pertinent challenge to community engagement is the lack of institutional support and recognition. Community engagement in higher education in Cameroon is not seen as a core function of universities but as a peripheral or voluntary activity and thereby lacks adequate funding and enabling structures. Most community engagement initiatives are not sustainable as they are led by students or lecturers who are usually constrained by tight budgets and lack knowledge, experience and resources to implement meaningful community projects. Additionally, factors such as time constraints, lack of motivation and interest and curricular rigidities limit participation and the integration of community engagement into university curriculum. To overcome these challenges, concerted effort is needed from academic institutions, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Effective community engagement and participation will require leadership commitment at all levels, adequate training, engagement incentives, curricular integration and strong partnerships between universities and external stakeholders. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research.
community engagement; institutional challenges, Higher Education; Cameroon.
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