The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) today hosted a distinguished four-man technical delegation from the National Advanced School of Engineering, Yaoundé (NASEY), in a visit that signaled a promising new chapter for engineering education and inter-institutional collaboration in Cameroon. The visiting team, led by Professor Fandio Bridinette, comprised Prof. Melingui Achille, Prof. Voufo Joseph, and Dr. Deodone Kunwfine, all seasoned academics and experts dedicated to the advancement of engineering and technological innovation.
The delegation’s arrival at the BUIB main campus was marked by a warm and respectful reception at the Office of the Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor, Dr. Francisca Biaka, welcomed the visitors with heartfelt words and expressed genuine delight at their presence. She emphasized the relevance of academic partnerships in shaping institutions that aspire to deliver world-class education. The brief welcome and introduction meeting provided an ideal platform for mutual greetings, setting the tone for a productive day.
Following this reception, the delegation was guided on a comprehensive tour of the university’s campus by Dr. Delbert Afumbom, Director of Quality Assurance at BUIB. Dr. Afumbom led the team through some of the institution’s outstanding facilities, including well-equipped lecture halls, ultra-modern laboratories, digital resource centers, the Biaka teaching hospital and several academic support units. The goal of the tour was to give NASEY a clear perspective on BUIB’s infrastructural strength and its capacity to deliver engineering and technology training at a competitive level.
Members of the delegation expressed admiration for the university’s forward-looking investment in cutting-edge learning environments. They commended the institution’s commitment to providing students with facilities that not only meet but reflect contemporary academic standards. The tour also highlighted BUIB’s strategic direction as it expands existing programs and nurtures new faculties, including the School of Engineering and Technology (SET).
After the tour, the team settled at the St. Gabriel’s Conference Room for the primary technical meeting of the day. The session began with an official welcome address from the Vice Chancellor. She reiterated BUIB’s desire to establish a sustainable and fruitful partnership with NASEY, noting that engineering is a discipline that thrives on exchange, research collaboration, innovation, and hands-on mentorship. She also introduced members of the BUIB management team present at the meeting.
Responding to the VC’s remarks, Prof. Fandio Bridinette took the floor to introduce her delegation. She expressed their appreciation for the hospitality shown and commended BUIB’s impressive infrastructure and organizational culture. She emphasized NASEY’s readiness to work with institutions like BUIB that demonstrate commitment to academic growth and quality improvement.
The introduction phase was followed by a brief yet insightful address from the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Academics and Research, Prof. Epah Fonkeng George. In his remarks, Prof. Epah stressed the pressing need for the School of Engineering and Technology to receive academic mentorship as it continues to grow. He highlighted the importance of structured support, lecturer exchange, modernized curriculum development, and laboratory reinforcement—all of which could be strengthened through BUIB’s connection with NASEY. According to him, the collaboration would contribute significantly to positioning SET as a strong and competitive engineering school in the country.
Next to address the meeting was the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Cooperation and Innovation, Dr. Feh Mary, who spoke confidently about the university’s expanding network of partnerships. She reaffirmed BUIB’s openness to engaging with reputable institutions at national and international levels. Dr. Mary illustrated some of the ongoing collaborations currently benefiting the various schools within the Biaka community, and she expressed enthusiasm for the emerging relationship with NASEY, describing it as timely and highly strategic.
A major highlight of the meeting was the detailed presentation on the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) delivered by its Director, Dr. Wilibroad. His presentation offered an in-depth look at the school’s academic programs, including its departments, student population, staffing composition, and available teaching and laboratory equipment. He also described the vision that inspired the creation of the faculty and the efforts being made to align SET with national benchmarks for engineering education. Dr. Wilibroad further outlined areas where the school seeks support, including mentorship, infrastructure reinforcement, and specialized training opportunities.
Following the presentation, the NASEY delegation engaged in a thorough and constructive discussion with BUIB officials. The guests asked questions to better understand the specific needs of SET and explored ways in which NASEY could provide theoretical and practical assistance. They also discussed the possibility of facilitating internship placements for students across the school’s four departments, as well as the prospect of sending visiting lecturers from NASEY to support teaching and research.
Before the meeting formally closed, the Vice Chancellor of BUIB, Dr. Francisca Biaka, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks. She expressed profound appreciation to the visiting team for their time, expertise, and willingness to support BUIB’s engineering ambitions. Dr. Francisca Biaka also highlighted BUIB’s long-standing culture of hospitality, excellence, and community, assuring the delegation that the institution remains committed to nurturing partnerships built on mutual respect and shared academic values.
The meeting concluded on a highly optimistic note. Both institutions expressed confidence that the engagement marked the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership, one that would significantly enhance engineering and technology education, promote academic excellence, and strengthen professional ties for years to come.