The 2024 Graduation Ceremony of the Yaoundé International Business School (YIBS) was an inspiring and grand celebration of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Held on Saturday, January 11th, 2025, the event united Cameroon’s academic and business elite to honour the remarkable achievements of 445 graduates across Higher National Diploma (HND), Bachelor of Technology (BTech), and Master’s programs.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of YIBS’s mission to cultivate competent professionals with entrepreneurial mindsets, the event welcomed a distinguished roster of dignitaries, including Senators, Ministry representatives, entrepreneurs, ambassadors, and academics, alongside proud families and friends.
Stepping Into the Future: A Cohort of Change-Makers
The graduates of the Class of 2024 emerged as a diverse group of trailblazers, armed with practical skills and bold ambitions to address society’s challenges. Their transition from students to YIBS alumni was marked by the symbolic turning of tassels, an act that resonated deeply with the institution’s transformative vision.
Among the graduates, 263 earned HNDs, 140 completed BTech programs, and 42 received advanced Master’s degrees (MBA and MSc). The ceremony also spotlighted top achievers, notably Tume Brenda, who graduated as the overall best BTech student with an impressive GPA of 3.8 in E-commerce and Digital Marketing.
Empowering Messages from Visionary Leaders
The event’s keynote addresses inspired graduates to embrace leadership and creativity.
Rev. Prof. Anyambod Emmanuel Anya, Vice-Chancellor of YIBS, invoked Barack Obama’s powerful words:
“Don’t just get involved. Fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table.”
This rallying cry urged graduates to boldly step into leadership roles and take decisive action to influence their industries.
Similarly, Mr. Acho Taku Godfred, President of Trustees, encouraged a broader understanding of entrepreneurship:
“Entrepreneurship is not limited to starting your own business. It is a mindset—one that embraces resilience, problem-solving, and resourcefulness. Innovation is not confined to technology; it’s about finding new ways to add value, create opportunities, and inspire change.”
His closing remarks, “Take action and create,” underscored the responsibility of graduates to use their knowledge and skills to make tangible impacts in their communities.
Honoring Excellence and Innovation
The ceremony celebrated not just academic achievements but also practical excellence. Students were commended for their innovative business plans developed during the academic year, showcasing solutions that align with Cameroon’s developmental needs. Recognition was also extended to YIBS lecturers for their unwavering commitment to nurturing talent.
The event’s international guest speaker, Prof. Yonga Jerry, echoed the importance of global competitiveness, urging graduates to think beyond borders while maintaining deep roots in their local communities.
A Future of Endless Possibilities
As graduates left the ceremony, the energy of hope and determination filled the air. Their paths forward are as varied as their talents, with many poised to launch businesses, lead organizations, or advance innovation in Cameroon and beyond.
The Class of 2024 carries not just degrees but a call to action—to fly, walk, or crawl forward, but never stop moving, as emphasized by YIBS leadership.
Celebrating the Class of 2024
To the 445 graduates, the journey ahead is one of opportunity and responsibility. With a solid foundation from YIBS, their potential to shape the future is boundless. As they step out into the world, Cameroon and the global community await their contributions as emerging entrepreneurs and innovators.
Congratulations, Class of 2024—your hard work, resilience, and vision are the foundation of a brighter future!
