The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) was privileged to host the Minister of Higher Education of Cameroon today, in a visit that not only reinforced the university’s commitment to academic excellence but also underscored the government’s growing interest in private higher education institutions that are redefining learning in the 21st century. The Minister was accompanied on this high-level mission by a distinguished delegation, including the Governor of the South West Region, the Parliamentarian for Buea Urban, the Divisional Officer (DO) for Buea, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, and several other statesmen. Their presence gave added weight to the visit and reflected the regional and national importance of BUIB’s contribution to education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
The visit was part of the Minister’s broader mission to assess and strengthen institutional alignment with national educational policies, promote innovation in higher learning, and deepen collaboration between the public and private education sectors. The objectives of his visit were clearly outlined: to engage with the university leadership, staff, and student body; evaluate BUIB’s alignment with national higher education policies and quality assurance standards; encourage public-private collaboration; explore opportunities for innovation-driven academic programs and research; and recognize the university’s contributions toward producing job-ready graduates through skills-based training.
Upon arrival at the university campus, the Minister and his entourage were warmly received by members of BUIB’s top administration, led by the Vice Chancellor. The atmosphere was ceremonial yet dignified, with the university choir performing both the national anthem and the BUIB anthem. This symbolic gesture, which marked the official welcome, reflected the institution’s pride in its identity and its role in nation-building through education.
Following the welcome ceremony, the Minister held a closed-door working session with the Vice Chancellor and members of the university’s leadership. The discussions focused on BUIB’s strategic direction, innovations in curriculum delivery, quality assurance mechanisms, and the institution’s role in supporting Cameroon’s higher education development plan.
The Minister was then taken on a guided tour of the BUIB campus. He visited key facilities, including lecture halls, laboratories, and administrative blocks, gaining firsthand insight into the learning environment. A major highlight of the tour was his visit to the Biaka Hospital, doubling as the university’s teaching hospital, where he was shown how BUIB combines academic instruction with real-time clinical practice.
At the hospital, the Minister and his delegation were impressed with the state-of-the-art infrastructure and medical technology. He was introduced to the cutting-edge AI full-body scan machine capable of conducting over 128 diagnoses within minutes, offering insight into various health conditions including brain, heart, kidney, and sugar levels, as well as stress and fatigue. He also visited the ultra-modern theatre unit, the dental care section, top-notch X-ray machines, and the newly constructed private wards, all of which serve to enhance training for health science students while providing world-class care to the public. The integration of advanced medical technology into the university’s healthcare training model earned commendation from the Minister and other dignitaries present.
One of the most engaging parts of the visit was the exhibition of student-led entrepreneurial projects. Students from various schools within BUIB showcased innovative products and ideas ranging from health technologies and organic cosmetics to sustainable agriculture solutions and digital tools. The Minister was visibly impressed by the ingenuity, creativity, and professionalism of the students. He noted that such entrepreneurial spirit reflects the university’s commitment to equipping its students with skills that extend beyond the classroom and into real-world problem-solving and job creation.
Before his departure, the Minister signed the university’s guest book, leaving a heartfelt message of encouragement. He praised BUIB for its steady growth, its focus on quality and relevance, and its contribution to the national development agenda through education. He urged the university to maintain its pace, remain innovative, and continue its efforts in producing competent, ethical, and industry-ready graduates.
The visit concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and pride within the BUIB community. It served as both a recognition of the university’s strides and a call to continue being a leading light in private higher education in Cameroon. With its strong leadership, dynamic staff, and committed student body, BUIB remains true to its vision, The university with the Audacity to be Different when it comes to Quality and skill-driven education.