The campus of Maarif College in Nkolfoulou was alive with anticipation as more than 900 students from across Yaoundé and beyond took part in the sixth edition of the Maarif Scholarship Entrance Exams, recently. Organized by the Turkish Maarif Foundation, the competitive exams aim to reward academic excellence and promote equal educational opportunities for all.
A total of 772 pupils from Class Six and 245 students from Form Five converged on the prestigious Yaoundé-based institution, hoping to secure full scholarships that could transform their academic journeys. From the early hours of the morning, students—many accompanied by proud and nervous parents—flooded the school grounds. The main courtyard was transformed into a vibrant reception area where young hopefuls, clad in colorful uniforms, whispered last-minute revisions and waited anxiously for the start of the exams. “We are honored to have you here,” the Principal of College Maarif Yaoundé, Huseyin Talih stated during the event.
“Our institution operates under the Turkish Maarif Foundation, a governmental organization supported by both the Turkish and Cameroonian governments. We do not operate for profit. Our focus is on providing quality education to students regardless of their financial background.” Now in its sixth year, the scholarship program—known as the MAGIS (Maarif Genius International Scholarship)—offers full tuition coverage under two categories. The first targets Class Six pupils transitioning to secondary school (Form One to Form Five), while the second supports Form Five students seeking financial aid for the final two years of secondary school (Lower and Upper Sixth).
According to Dahirou Mohamed, a member of the Maarif staff, the initiative is grounded in meritocracy and aims to reward academic brilliance and good conduct. “This year, we aim to select 10 outstanding students, though the final number will be determined by our General Directorate,” he explained. “Each scholarship is awarded based on academic performance and personal behavior.
To maintain the scholarship, students must continue to excel and uphold discipline.” One of the hopefuls, Ingrid Patience Nzinguet—a Form Five science student—shared her experience. “I received my first scholarship in Class Six, which covered 75% of my tuition from Form One to Form Five,” she said. “Now I’ve returned to compete for the second scholarship so I can hopefully complete Upper Sixth on a full scholarship. It has really helped my parents financially.” Beyond covering tuition, the Maarif Foundation provides outstanding scholars with opportunities to pursue higher education in Turkey, including full coverage of travel, accommodation, meals, and pocket money, all funded by the Turkish government.
School authorities stressed the fairness and integrity of the exams. “No cheating, no copying,” the Principal emphasized. “We ensured the exams were conducted with the highest level of transparency and seriousness.” The results of this sixth edition are expected to be announced during a grand ceremony at the end of next month. The selected students will join the Maarif academic community for the next school year, embarking on a journey shaped by high-quality education and strong values.
As the sun set on the campus that day, the hopeful faces of students and their families reflected a single aspiration: to see effort rewarded, and merit recognized.
Maarif College Nkolfoulou Scholarship Program
Maarif College Nkolfoulou, operating under the Turkish Maarif Foundation in Cameroon, has established a reputable scholarship program aimed at promoting academic excellence and supporting bright students from diverse backgrounds. The scholarship is mainly accessed through the MAGIS Entrance Exam, a merit-based test designed to identify outstanding learners seeking high-quality education. The exam Is conducted annually in major cities such as Yaoundé, Douala, and Ngaoundéré, ensuring regional inclusion and equal opportunity. Students who perform exceptionally in the MAGIS exam are awarded scholarships that cover tuition and other academic-related costs, enabling them to attend Maarif Schools—institutions known for their modern facilities, international curriculum, and emphasis on science, technology, language skills, and character development. Apart from receiving a strong academic foundation, scholarship recipients benefit from personalized educational and career guidance. The program is also structured to prepare students for international opportunities, including further studies in Turkish universities through the Türkiye government scholarship initiative. One notable success story is Raphaela Enaka Tedjouong, a student from Maarif Secondary School Yassa-Douala, who won the 2024 Türkiye government scholarship and is currently pursuing studies in the Faculty of Arts at Erciyes University in Turkey. Her achievement underscores the international recognition and opportunities available to Maarif scholars. Overall, the Maarif College Nkolfoulou scholarship is more than just financial aid—it is a gateway to global education, cultural exchange, and personal development, fostering future leaders and professionals who can contribute to both their communities and the global society.
