Yaounde I University: Fullbright Scholar, Prof Victor Waingeh, to build student capacity through research.

Spefically, he will be working at the University of Yaounde I, where he will be employing a combination of teaching and research to build student capacity with a view to lowering barriers and enhancing their interest and success in physical chemistry.

The scholar will equally used his time in Cameroon to enhancing cross-country collaboration to promote excellence in the teaching and learning of physical chemistry. 

Already, during his brief stay in the country last April, the US-based scholar met with officials and chemistry students of the Yaounde I University to lay the groundwork for the collaboration.

Starting September 2025, Prof Waingeh will be working with undergraduate students, sharing his 17 years of teaching and research experience gained at Indiana University Southeast. 

The Indiana University Southeast said it was proud to have Prof Waingeh as the newest Fulbright Scholar on campus.

“The Fulbright Scholar program is highly esteemed worldwide and has a rich history of fostering international educational exchange,” said Dr Pam Connerly, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences at the university as quoted by South East News & Events.

“It is a significant milestone that not only brings recognition to Dr. Waingeh but also enhances the reputation of IU Southeast on a global stage. Dr Waingeh’s outstanding achievement demonstrates his continued commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship,” he added. 

Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the same university, Dr Michelle Williams echoed Connerly’s pride in Waingeh’s achievement. 

“The Fulbright Scholar program is highly esteemed worldwide and has a rich history of fostering international educational exchange. It is a significant milestone that not only brings recognition to Dr. Waingeh but also enhances the reputation of IU Southeast on a global stage. Dr Waingeh’s outstanding achievement demonstrates his continued commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship,” Dr Michelle Williams said.

Waingeh is the tenth faculty member at IU Southeast to be named a Fulbright Scholar. Four Indiana University Southeast students have previously been named Fulbright Scholars. 

About Fulbright US Scholars

Fulbright U.S. Scholars are faculty, researchers, administrators, and established professionals teaching or conducting research in affiliation with institutes abroad. 

They engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. 

Upon returning to their home countries, institutions, labs, and classrooms, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars to campus and encouraging colleagues and students to go abroad. 

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. 

Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. 

Over 800 individuals teach or conduct research abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program annually. 

In addition, over 2,000 Fulbright U.S. Student Program participants—recent college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals—participate in study/research exchanges or as English teaching assistants in local schools abroad each year. 

Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. 

Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program, which operates in over 160 countries worldwide. 

In the United States, the Institute of International Education implements the Fulbright U.S. Student and U.S. Scholar Programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3486 of Friday June 27, 2025