On Tuesday, June 11th, 2024, the University of Buea (UB) signed a landmark partnership agreement with Codes Rousseau of France to establish the UB Driving School, which will offer international driving licences.
The agreement includes setting up a comprehensive mechanical engineering workshop focused on car repairs and ensuring roadworthiness. UB is committed to making the UB Driving School a centre of excellence and a model for the Central African region.
Professor Ngomo Horace Manga, Vice-Chancellor of the Univerity of Buea, assured Mr. Olivier FRETAY, CEO of Codes Rousseau, that significant progress has been made since the Minister of Transport authorised the driving school. “Accommodation and infrastructure have been put in place to ensure the successful take-off of the school,” Professor Manga stated.
Mr. FRETAY and his entourage were given a tour of the temporary site located at the “UB Cultural Village.” They inspected the classrooms, offices, and practical lesson spaces, and met the staff. The tour also included a visit to the renovated IT Centre, designed to provide students with real-time driving experiences. The final stop was at the permanent site along the Mile 17 road, currently undergoing landscaping. Professor Michael Ekonde Sone, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Head of the task force facilitating the project’s takeoff, described the various infrastructures planned for the permanent site.
Impressed by the swift progress, Mr. FRETAY expressed his commitment to the project. “I will put in all my efforts to make sure Codes Rousseau provides simulators and cars for the UB Driving School by September 2024,” he promised.
The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Dr. Mbamome N. Divine, Director of Road Transport in the Ministry of Transport, and Mr. Ebong Mesumbe, Regional Delegate of Transport for the South West, among other renowned personalities within the transport sector.
