UB welcomes over 10,000 new students, launches excellence fund

By Tata Mbunwe

The University of Buea, Cameroon’s esteemed Anglophone institution, proudly welcomed over 10,000 newly admitted students in a ceremonious matriculation event held on its Molyko Campus in Buea for the 2023/2024 academic year.

In an address at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof Horace Ngomo Manga announced the admission of 8,405 undergraduates and 1,885 postgraduates.

Notably, all postgraduate freshmen were accepted into Master’s programs due to the government’s suspension of Doctorate program admissions in all 11 State Universities this year.

Prof Ngomo Manga emphasized the university’s commitment to providing a holistic education facilitated by highly qualified professors across the institution’s numerous departments.

He cautioned the new students about examination malpractices and urged them to resist societal and economic pressures.

This is particularly the lure of illicit financial means via social media.

“You are living in an era plagued by economic and social hardship, which might push some young men and women to indulge in scamming and other illicit financial means using social media,” Prof Ngomo said.

He also warned against the spread of fake news and hate speech.

“I therefore implore you to be responsible users of the social media platforms in learning and research activities here at the University of Buea…

“Do not participate in the spread of false information, in the spread of hate speech and other negative issues that several commissions have been set in this country to address,” he said.

The official matriculation oath was administered by the Registrar, Prof Eneke Agbor Bechem.

The event commenced with an academic procession led by Chief Librarian Prof Rosemary Shafack, followed by an interreligious service involving leaders from various faiths.

One of the highlights of the event was the launch of the Kate Kanyi-Tometi Excellence Fund.

Initially announced by Kate Kanyi-Tometi, Cameroon’s wealthiest woman, the 50-million-franc fund aimed to support students with excellent academic records and those with disabilities.

This year, 829 students with outstanding academic achievements and 171 students with disabilities benefited from this fund.

The event not only marked the matriculation of thousands of new students but also showcased the university’s commitment to academic excellence and support for students with exceptional promise and those facing challenges.

The University of Buea’s matriculation ceremony was an emblematic celebration of academic beginnings and a testament to the institution’s dedication to nurturing its diverse student body.