Culture and Education Among Mbororo-Fulanis in Cameroon

This study explores the impact of cultural factors on higher education attainment among Mbororo-Fulani citizens in Cameroon. It examines four key aspects: religious beliefs, pastoral nomadism, marriage customs, and the socialization code (pulaaku). Using a mixed-method research approach, data was collected from 357 Mbororo-Fulani Higher Education Stakeholders (M-HES) through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Statistical analyses were applied, including Chi-square, Spearman rho correlation, and ANOVA.Findings revealed that 69.2% of respondents agreed that religious beliefs negatively impact higher education, while 70.1% identified pastoral nomadism as a barrier. Additionally, 81.2% viewed marriage customs as a constraint, and 65% saw pulaaku as limiting access to higher education. Hypothesis testing confirmed significant negative effects of marriage customs and socialization codes, while the relationship between pastoral nomadism and education was statistically insignificant.The study concludes that cultural factors significantly hinder higher education among Mbororo-Fulanis. However, government initiatives in basic and secondary education provide some hope.