A recent urgent message from Prof. Beban Sammy Chumbow, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council at the University of Bamenda, has indicated that there is an imminent security threat to the university and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Theresa Nkuo–Akenji.
“A security alert of a plan “to attack the University of Bamenda campus to culminate in the kidnapping of the Vice-Chancellor,” the letter dated December 15, 2023, stated.
The letter addressed members of the FGPC and Council suggests that they will have to hold important budget meetings virtually because of a “security alert.”
The communication outlines plans for a hybrid meeting via Zoom to address potential security threats during the festive season.
“In the light of the above, after due consultations, we are proposing a hybrid meeting through Zoom for members who feel uncomfortable making it to the UBa campus,” the Pro-Chancellor continued in his letter.
While these at face value appear to be legitimate security concerns, a member of the university community who spoke to MMI on the basis of anonymity has raised questions about the real motives behind this decision.
The anonymous source claims that the decision to move meetings online is not solely rooted in security concerns. According to them, “From the information we heard, the VC is not around, and they use insecurity as a motive.”
This allegation suggests that the absence of the Vice-Chancellor may be the driving force behind the decision to conduct meetings virtually.
The source goes on to point out that the ongoing budget session of the university, which is also being held through Zoom due to rumours of an attack, is down to the fact that the top management of the university are not around. They go on to point out that such threats and claims of insecurity did not materialise during the recent graduation ceremony, raising scepticism about the necessity of virtual meetings.
This revelation casts doubt on the university’s official statement, as it implies a potential disconnect between the stated security concerns and the actual decision-making process. If the claims of the anonymous source are accurate, it raises questions about transparency and communication within the university’s leadership.
In response to these allegations, it becomes crucial for the university administration to address the concerns raised by the anonymous member. Clarity regarding the decision-making process and the role of the Vice-Chancellor’s absence in serious meetings concerning the university budget would help maintain trust and transparency within the University community.
MMI has received many complaints from students and members of the UBa University community about the unavailability of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Beban Sammy Chumbow
