The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) has ushered in a new chapter in its history with the official installation of Dr. Che Mary Lum Epse Feh as the institution’s new Vice Chancellor. The ceremony, held at the university campus, brought together members of the university community, government officials, traditional authorities, development partners, alumni, students, and invited guests to witness the transition in leadership. Dr. Che Mary Lum Epse Feh assumes office following the distinguished tenure of Dr. Francisca Hongla Biaka, whose visionary leadership significantly contributed to the growth and transformation of the institution.
The installation ceremony was marked by a rich display of academic tradition, beginning with an opening prayer, the singing of the National Anthem and the BUIB Anthem, followed by the reading of the appointment communiqué and the profile of the newly appointed Vice Chancellor. Cultural performances and musical interludes added colour to the occasion, reflecting the university’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress.
In her installation address, the President of the Biaka Group officially entrusted the leadership of the university to Dr. Che Mary Lum Epse Feh, expressing confidence in her ability to build on the solid foundation laid by her predecessor. She reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, research, and producing graduates equipped to meet the demands of an ever-changing global environment. The ceremony also paid glowing tribute to Dr. Francisca Hongla Biaka for her remarkable service and unwavering dedication to the university. During her tenure, BUIB recorded significant achievements, including the strengthening of academic programmes, expansion of strategic partnerships, enhancement of institutional governance, and the promotion of quality education. Her leadership helped position the university as one of the country’s emerging centres of excellence in higher education.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Che Mary Lum Epse Feh expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the Biaka Group for the confidence reposed in her. She pledged to lead with integrity, inclusiveness, and innovation while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. She emphasized her commitment to strengthening teaching and learning, promoting impactful research, embracing digital transformation, enhancing student welfare, expanding international partnerships, and ensuring that the university continues to produce graduates who are competent, ethical, and globally competitive.
The Vice Chancellor also called on faculty, administrative staff, students, alumni, and partners to work collectively towards achieving the institution’s vision, noting that the university’s continued success would depend on unity, shared responsibility, and a commitment to excellence. A highlight of the ceremony was a goodwill message delivered by the University of Buea Vice Chancellor’s representative, Prof. Eneke Bechem, who congratulated Dr. Che Mary Lum Epse Feh on her appointment and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among higher education institutions in advancing academic excellence and national development. The installation concluded with renewed optimism as members of the university community pledged their support to the new Vice Chancellor. Guests described the event as both a celebration of visionary leadership and a reaffirmation of the Biaka University Institute of Buea’s mission to provide quality education, promote innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
As Dr. Che Mary Lum Epse Feh begins her tenure, the Biaka University Institute of Buea looks forward to a future defined by academic excellence, strategic partnerships, innovation, and continued service to humanity.