The National Order of Cameroonian Architects(NOCA) held an ordinary general assembly on Friday, November 21, 2025, in Douala. The meeting concluded with a significant moment: the swearing-in of five trainee architects who had initially failed their qualification exams in May. This event brings the total number of registered architects to over 800.The reinstatement follows a decision by the NOCA Appeals Chamber, a body praised for demonstrating the organization’s institutional integrity.”Some appeared before the Appeals Chamber, which requested their reinstatement. We were very happy to welcome them back. We don’t want to stigmatize them,” explained Jean-Christophe Ndongo, President of the NOCA Council.The newly admitted members of the “50th Anniversary Class” received their certificates after swearing to uphold the professional code of conduct.However,the ceremony included remarks from the supervisory ministry, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MINDHU). Philippe Kuetché, Inspector in charge of technical matters at MINDHU, represented Minister Célestine Ketcha Courtès and conveyed a significant governmental concern: the increasing difficulty young architects face in entering the workforce. “The Minister has instructed the National Order Of Cameroonian Architects (NOCA) to conduct a review to ensure that the number of architects to be registered is aligned with the capacity of the workforce,” Kuetché stated.
The supervisory authority also lauded the Order’s inclusive handling of the unsuccessful trainees’ cases, viewing it as evidence of a commitment to administrative transparency and strict adherence to internal regulations.NOCA President Jean-Christophe Ndongo painted a stark picture of the obstacles facing the profession, centering his concern on non-compliance with the law governing the practice of architecture in the country.”Article 2, paragraph 1 states that no one may practice as an architect unless registered with the Order. And Article 16 prohibits an architect from providing support to someone who is not an architect,” he reminded the audience.Ndongo strongly criticized two main areas of legal violation: He denounced the practice of registered architects signing contracts with engineering firms, a violation of professional independence and He particularly criticized the State, a “major employer,” for not systematically consulting architects on public projects within their purview. “All those who fail to do so are breaking the law, and therefore becoming outlaws,” he asserted, adding that the Order has already petitioned the Ministry of Public Works (MINMAP) and requested meetings with the highest authorities.In addition,Another urgent issue is the regulation of architectural training. While only three schools are officially recognized in Cameroon, approximately twenty are currently operating. NOCA has formally requested the official list of accredited institutions from the Ministry of Higher Education.“They are creating evening classes in Douala, schools where they want to accept civil engineering graduates into master’s programs so they can come and pursue master’s degrees in architecture. We say no, we will no longer accept this,” declared Mr. Ndongo.The Order plans to verify that all institutions meet the three criteria required by the International Union of Architects and UNESCO:Suitable premises,Qualified teachers and Compliance curricular of five years of study followed by a two-year internship with accredited architects.Meanwhile,Auriane Sidoine epse Kamga, one of the newly admitted architects, shared her unique journey, which contributed to the legal delay.”I am one of the people who have an atypical profile because I have a double training, in my case practically a triple training,” she explained, detailing her path from Urbanism, to Civil Engineering, and finally to Architecture at the Institute of Fine Arts of Nkongsamba.She highlighted that debates arose within the Order regarding her unconventional, but entirely Cameroonian, educational background, delaying her enrolment despite having completed her two-year internship. She expressed her delight at finally being welcomed: “We are delighted to finally integrate this order to be finally a member of the promotion of the 50th anniversary.”Regarding the role of architects in Cameroon, she noted the vast work available: “Cameroon is a country where there is practically everything to do or everything to do again. The goal is to put the human in the center of our projects and to allow people to live and work in environments that are conducive to their development.”Nevertheless,to the five new architects, President Ndongo issued a call for realism and patience. “A diploma is not an end in itself, it’s a marker. It’s through fieldwork that they will become true architects.”He concluded with a promise: the Order will continue its regulatory work to ensure that “the work of architects remains with architects” so that these young professionals “can play their full part” in Cameroon’s development projects.The general assembly concluded its day by reviewing activities for 2024, celebrating their 50th anniversary, and outlining projections for 2026 all destined to ensure a brighter future for the actors,involve in the chain.
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