Having lost his sight at the age of eight, Jean Pascal Somb Lingom, a journalist at CRTV, has earned a PhD with High honors from ASMAC, following a remarkable academic journey. His achievement, recognized by the Minister of Social Affairs, stands as a lesson in perseverance and academic excellence for the entire continent.
On Friday, July 31, 2026, a solemn and deeply emotional atmosphere prevailed at the Advanced School of Mass Communication (ASMAC), on the campus of the University of Yaounde I. On that day, Cameroon’s academic and media communities witnessed the culmination of an extraordinary example of perseverance and determination: the PhD thesis defense of journalist Jean Pascal Somb Lingom, which earned him the prestigious distinction of High Honors, Underscoring the importance of the occasion, Minister of Social Affairs Pauline Irène Nguene attended the ceremony to officially support this remarkable achievement, a powerful symbol of excellence, inclusion and resilience.
Research at the heart of journalism’s transformation
Entitled “Health Crises and Shifts in Journalism Practices: News Source Selection
and Verification during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Dr Somb Lingom’s thesis explores the major transformations that journalism underwent during the COVID-19 health crisis in Cameroon.
His research focuses on how news source selection and verification practices had to evolve in response to the urgency of the crisis and the expansion of digital technology. According to Dr Jean Pascal Somb Lingom, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred at a time when modern technology had already gained significant momentum. Journalism was not separated from the impact of this crisis, and the changes it triggered continue to shape the profession today. His study demonstrates that these transformations must be fully taken into account to help journalists adapt to the demands of their daily work.
From braille to the national radio station: A remarkable academic journey
Born on March 24, 1980, in Yaoundé, Jean Pascal Somb Lingom lost his sight at the age of eight following an accident. Armed with his Braille slate as an essential reporting tool, he successfully climbed the professional ladder to become a recognized voice at Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV)’s national radio station.
His success is rooted in an insatiable thirst for knowledge and impressive intellectual discipline, reflected in an outstanding academic record. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Letters from the University of Yaoundé I, a master’s degree in English Modern Literature, a master’s degree in Sociolinguistics, a master’s degree in Journalism from the Universities of Yaoundé I and II, and a master’s degree in International Public Relations and Global Communication Management from Cardiff University in Wales. He also holds a diploma in Translation and Interpreting from Université de Saint-Boniface in Canada. He has now earned a PhD in Information and Communication Sciences.
A Powerful Call for Inclusion and the Rejection of Stereotypes
Beyond his academic achievements, Dr Jean Pascal Somb Lingom’s journey represents an ongoing fight against stereotypes. In an environment where people with disabilities often face rejection, stigma and inadequate infrastructure, sometimes pushing many into poverty and begging, the new doctor demonstrates that competence and hard work remain the strongest arguments.
Convinced that journalism provides an opportunity to show society what people with disabilities are capable of and to change public perceptions, he founded an
association to help visually impaired people overcome poverty. Following his doctoral achievement, he delivered a powerful message of hope to society:
“Whether they are my visually impaired brothers and sisters or people with disabilities in general, give them the opportunity to express themselves, and you will see the extraordinary things they can accomplish.”
A strong commitment to science and Public Health
Beyond his academic career, Dr Somb Lingom is also committed to advancing scientific development across the continent. He works alongside scientific communities to promote health, human rights and scientific research in Africa. He is a member of the African Media Network for Health and Environmental Promotion (REMAPSEN), where he holds a strategic position within the organization’s national bureau in Cameroon, serving as its radio focal point.
Inspirational and unifying, Dr Jean Pascal Somb Lingom’s academic success story powerfully demonstrates that determination can overcome obstacles.
