A study analyzed how the oil industry in Cameroon developed and influenced the expansion, structure, and content of Cameroon's formal and nonformal education and training system. A survey of 213 employees and 8 enterprises was supplemented by a review of government reports and official published and unpublished documents. The economy of Cameroon was examined, with special reference to technological policy, industrial development, and research and development (R&D) activities. The importance of oil was demonstrated in terms of its export earnings, contribution to revenue, and impact on employment. The industry's structure, activities, growth of production, and R&D work were also studied. The formal educational system was found to have had difficulties in producing enough scientific and technical graduates to satisfy the demands of industry. A widespread system of nonformal education in the various companies had been established, using a variety of modes of training in the country and abroad. Employers and employees indicated that job performance and professional training were the most important criteria for recruitment. From 1980-86, oil firms somewhat increased the formal educational qualification structure of their employees. Employees stressed that higher education could make a significant contribution toward government-education-industry cooperation. (A survey and list of 12 references is appended.) (YLB)