By Njoh Linda
Archbishop Andrew Nkea has called for greater fidelity to the Catholic identity of the Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC), excellence in teaching and research, and service to society as he assumes office as the institution’s new Grand Chancellor.
The Archbishop of Bamenda made the call on Tuesday, November 3, during a handover ceremony at the university auditorium in Nkolbisson, Yaoundé, where he succeeded Archbishop Jean Mbarga, Metropolitan Archbishop of Yaoundé.
Archbishop Nkea, who is also the president of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, said the university’s mission goes beyond academic instruction to forming minds and consciences for service to the Church and society.
He also called on his predecessor to continue providing guidance and support, emphasising the importance of collaboration in leading the institution.
The ceremony brought together bishops from Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Chad, Gabon, and the Central African Republic.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, attended alongside university rectors, academics, priests, religious leaders, students and government representatives.
In his farewell address, Archbishop Mbarga thanked the bishops of Central Africa for entrusting him with the position and acknowledged the contributions of academic staff and students to the university’s development.
The ceremony also marked the opening of the 2026/2027 academic year with a Pontifical Mass attended by more than 20 bishops and over 50 priests.
The Mass was presided over by the Bishop of Bambari in the Central African Republic, who also serves as President of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ASERAC).
In his homily, the ASERAC president urged the university community to reflect on its responsibility in addressing challenges facing the region, particularly conflict and poverty.
UCAC serves the Catholic Church in Central Africa, with faculties in Theology, Philosophy, Canon Law, Social Sciences and Management.