The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) witnessed a vibrant and intellectually stimulating atmosphere on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, as staff and students gathered to celebrate the 2025/2026 Library Open Day of the St. Francis Library under the theme “Learning in Transition.” The event was aimed at creating greater awareness of the importance of the university library while enabling students especially newly admitted ones to familiarize themselves with the library environment, its resources, and its services in an era of rapidly evolving learning systems.
The activities for the day commenced with the suspension of classes, enabling the entire university community to take part in the celebration. Students, staff, and members of the university administration subsequently assembled at the venue, marking the official start of the event. The Vice Chancellor was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Cooperation and Innovation, Dr. Feh Mary, whose presence highlighted the institution’s strong commitment to academic support structures, particularly the library.
The programme officially commenced with an opening prayer, which set a reflective and purposeful tone for the day. This was followed by a word from the university administration, delivered by Dr. Feh Mary. In her address, she highlighted the critical role of the St. Francis Library as the intellectual heartbeat of BUIB. She emphasized that the library is not merely a storage space for books but a dynamic learning hub that supports teaching, research, innovation, and lifelong learning. Dr. Feh Mary further encouraged students to cultivate a strong reading culture and to take full advantage of both the physical and digital resources (E-Library) available in the St. Francis library as they adapt to modern learning trends.
A key moment of the celebration was the brief talk by the guest speaker, Dr. Mbah Relinjis, a seasoned lecturer at the University of Buea and a specialist in library science. Drawing from his vast academic experience, Dr. Relinjis delivered an insightful presentation on the evolving role of libraries in contemporary education. He stressed that while technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping learning processes, libraries remain central to knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, and academic discipline. His address strongly resonated with the theme “Learning in Transition,” as he encouraged students to strike a balance between traditional, presential learning methods and emerging AI-driven tools.
Dr. Relinjis also commended the Biaka University Institute of Buea for having a Reference Librarian, describing it as a mark of academic seriousness and institutional maturity. He emphasized the critical role of a reference librarian in guiding students and researchers to credible sources, supporting research work, and enhancing information literacy within the university community. According to him, the presence of a reference librarian strengthens the quality of scholarship and ensures that libraries remain active partners in teaching, learning, and research.
The programme was further enlivened by interludes, which added colour, rhythm, and excitement to the celebration. These were followed by engaging quiz sessions, during which students tested their knowledge on library use, academic skills, and general intellectual awareness. The quizzes not only entertained participants but also reinforced the importance of information literacy and effective study habits.
One of the major highlights of the Library Open Day was a debate on the topic “Presential Learning versus AI Learning.” Students passionately defended both viewpoints, presenting well-articulated arguments that sparked meaningful discussions among the audience. The debate reflected the realities of the modern academic landscape and illustrated the ongoing transition in learning methodologies within higher education institutions.
Outstanding participants in the quizzes and debate were celebrated during the award of prizes, a moment that motivated students to remain academically engaged and intellectually curious. The event concluded with a guided library tour, during which students were introduced to the various sections of the St. Francis Library, its rules and regulations, and the wide range of resources available to support their academic journey.
Overall, the 2025/2026 BUIB Library Open Day was a resounding success, reinforcing the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student-centered learning in a constantly evolving educational environment.