The Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation (DBMF) had the distinguished honour of welcoming the Archbishop of Canterbury for a memorable visit that underscored the importance of faith, education and international collaboration in advancing human development. The historic occasion brought together members of the Foundation’s leadership, staff, students and distinguished guests in a celebration of shared values and a common vision for transforming lives through education and service.
The Archbishop received a warm and colourful welcome upon arrival at the Foundation, where she was greeted by the President of the Biaka Group /Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation, the Governor of the South West Region, D.O for Buea, Member of Parliament for Buea Urban, religious and traditional leaders, members of the Anglican Church in Cameroon, distinguished guests, members of management of the Biaka group, staff and students. The Biaka Campus was filled with excitement as the institution welcomed one of the world’s most influential Christian leaders.
The programme commenced with the singing of the National Anthem of Cameroon, followed by the British National Anthem and the Biaka Group Anthem, reflecting the spirit of friendship and cooperation between Cameroon, the United Kingdom and the Biaka Group. At the event space where the official ceremony was held, the gathering opened with a word of prayer, committing the day’s activities into God’s hands and seeking divine guidance for the continued growth of the Foundation and its mission of serving humanity through education and healthcare.
In her welcome remarks, the President of the Biaka Group/Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation, Dr Francisca Hongla Biaka, expressed profound gratitude to the Archbishop for trusting and accepting to visit the institution. She described the visit as a great privilege and a source of encouragement for the entire Biaka Group (Biaka University Institute, Biaka Hospital & DBMF). She reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to providing quality education, promoting ethical leadership and producing graduates equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was a comprehensive presentation on the Biaka Group and the Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation by Mr Ngha Donald Teng who through a carefully prepared visual presentation featuring photographs and multimedia, the Archbishop, Dame Sarah Mullally was taken on a virtual journey through the Foundation’s remarkable history, Biaka’s educational institutions, healthcare facilities and community outreach initiatives. Although a physical campus tour did not take place, the presentation provided a vivid overview of the Foundation’s infrastructure, achievements and ongoing projects, allowing the Archbishop to appreciate the scale and impact of the Biaka Group’s work across Cameroon. The presentation also highlighted the Biaka Group’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, healthcare delivery and international partnerships. Guests learned about the institution’s steady growth, its investment in modern facilities and its vision of nurturing graduates who combine professional competence with integrity, compassion and a commitment to serving their communities.
In her address, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, the Archbishop of Canterbury commended the Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation for its dedication to transforming lives through education and service. She praised the institution’s holistic approach to learning, noting that education rooted in strong moral and spiritual values has the power to shape responsible leaders capable of addressing the challenges of society. She encouraged students to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence while embracing humility, compassion and servant leadership. The Archbishop further acknowledged the Foundation’s efforts in creating opportunities for young people and expressed optimism about the future of the institution. Her inspiring message resonated deeply with everyone present, leaving staff and students motivated to continue striving for excellence in their various fields. One of the most touching moments of the visit was the conferment of a local name upon the Archbishop of Canterbury. In recognition of her spirit of kindness, compassion and service to humanity, she was given the name “Enjema,” a local name meaning “generous.” The symbolic gesture reflected the admiration and affection of the Biaka group and the wider community, while also highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the people. The Archbishop received the honour with joy and appreciation, embracing the significance of the name as a representation of the enduring values of generosity, love and selfless service.
The memorable occasion concluded with family photographs, bringing together the Archbishop, the President of the Biaka Group /Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation, the Governor of the South West Region, D.O for Buea, Member of Parliament for Buea Urban, religious and traditional leaders, members of the Anglican Church in Cameroon, distinguished guests, members of management of the Biaka group, staff and students. As the Archbishop’s visit to the Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation stands as a landmark moment in the institution’s history, reinforcing the importance of partnerships built on shared ideals and strengthening the Foundation’s resolve to continue empowering lives through quality education, healthcare and community development.
