In a show of mutual respect and community solidarity, the Vice Chancellor of the Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB), Dr. Francisca Biaka, today led a delegation of senior university officials on a courtesy visit to the newly installed Chief of Bokwaongo, His Royal Highness Chief Albert Njie Mbonde. The visit took place at the Chief’s palace in Bokwaongo Village, a key locality in the Buea municipality.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by top officials from the institution, including the Director of Administration and Finance, the Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Communication Officer and the Marketing Officer. The purpose of the visit was to formally congratulate His Royal Highness on his recent ascension to the throne and to reaffirm the university’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the traditional authority and people of Bokwaongo.
Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly received by the Chief and his council of elders, who welcomed the visitors with traditional blessings and expressions of goodwill. The atmosphere was one of mutual appreciation and cultural dignity, underscoring the longstanding cordial relationship between the university and the host community.
In her address, Dr. Francisca Biaka extended heartfelt congratulations to Chief Albert Njie Mbonde on behalf of the entire university community. She introduced her team to the royalty and described his installation as a significant milestone for the people of Bokwaongo and a moment of great cultural pride. Dr. Biaka acknowledged the critical role traditional rulers play in fostering peace, unity, and local development and assured the Chief of the university’s unwavering support. “As a university that is deeply rooted in this community, we recognize the invaluable contributions of traditional authorities in shaping society and preserving our collective identity,” Dr. Biaka remarked. “Your leadership comes at a time when collaboration between academic institutions and traditional structures is more important than ever in driving sustainable development.” She went on to highlight the university’s commitment to community engagement, particularly in the areas of education, public health, and youth empowerment. She stressed that the visit was not only symbolic but also a practical gesture of goodwill intended to open further avenues for partnership and dialogue with the community.
In response, His Royal Highness Chief Albert Njie Mbonde expressed profound gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and her delegation for what he described as a “historic and heartfelt” visit. He acknowledged the vital role Biaka University has played in transforming lives through quality education and healthcare services and assured the Vice Chancellor of his full support. “This visit is a sign of great respect and unity,” Chief Mbonde said. “The presence of Biaka University in Bokwaongo is a source of pride to us all. As a traditional ruler, I will continue the close working relationship with your institution to foster peace, promote learning, and support community well-being.”
The exchange was followed by a brief interactive session during which members of the delegation and palace officials discussed ways of enhancing collaboration, including through community sensitization, joint development initiatives, and cultural exchange programs. The Chief also invited the university to take part in upcoming traditional events and projects in the village, as a further step towards cementing bonds of friendship and mutual respect.
The courtesy visit concluded with the presentation of symbolic gifts and a group photograph, marking a memorable moment of unity between modern academia and age-old tradition. This engagement stands as a reaffirmation of Biaka University’s ethos of inclusion, community partnership, and respect for cultural institutions. It also reflects the university’s broader mission of not only advancing academic excellence but also contributing meaningfully to the social and cultural fabric of the communities it serves.
