Ernest Ekema – BIAKA UNIVERSITY

15Mar

7 Minutes for Girls: A Championship of Wit and Eloquence

The Cameroon Debate Circuit, in collaboration with the Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB), successfully organized a two-day High School Girls Debate Championship under the theme “7 Minutes for Girls.” The championship, which brought together at least seven girls from eleven schools, served as a platform to empower young female voices in critical thinking, public speaking, and structured argumentation.

Day one of the championship kicked off with an intensive training session on the British Parliamentary form of debate. The training, facilitated by seasoned debaters adjudicators and trainers, provided the participants with the necessary tools to structure their arguments, analyze motions critically, and engage in constructive rebuttals. The girls showed great enthusiasm as they actively participated in the drills, honing their skills in anticipation of the competition.

Following the training, the championship was formally declared open by the Registrar of BUIB, who represented the Vice-Chancellor. In her opening remarks, Dr. Visimih Veronica commended the Cameroon Debate Circuit team for their efforts in promoting gender-inclusive intellectual competitions and encouraged the young girls to seize the opportunity to refine their debating skills. Her words of encouragement set a tone of determination and enthusiasm among the participants. Representing the Ministry of Secondary Education was Mme. Epie who emphasized on the role educating the girl child and reminded the girls of the greater objective of empowering girls with knowledge through the right platforms and stages.

Shortly after the opening ceremony, the students were paired into teams and sent to their designated debate venues. Each debate round was adjudicated by trained judges drawn from the Women’s Empowerment Centre, alongside school staff members who accompanied the participants. The debates were intense, with the young debaters passionately arguing for and against motions on pressing societal issues. The competition showcased their analytical skills, eloquence, and confidence as they engaged in intellectual battles for supremacy.

Day two commenced with continuous training on public speaking and advanced debating techniques. The trainers focused on voice modulation, persuasive delivery, and handling cross-examinations effectively. These additional lessons proved invaluable as the participants prepared for the next rounds of the championship.

The day progressed with open debating sessions, where students were given the liberty to debate outside the formal competition structure. This segment fostered a spirit of intellectual camaraderie as the girls exchanged ideas, challenged viewpoints, and learned from each other in a less pressured environment.

As the competition reached its climax, the semi-final ran on the motion “This House Regrets the Rise of Women to Power”. The final rounds took center stage where the top performing teams advanced, and the tension in the debate halls heightened. The debators argued on the motion that “The Ownership of Lands by Women as well as Female Succession is Prohibited”. After rigorous intellectual battles, the students from Saker Baptist College emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional debating skills, teamwork, and resilience. Their victory was met with loud applauds, as they had outshone their peers in well-reasoned arguments and compelling presentations.

The championship concluded with an award ceremony, where participants were honored with medals for their efforts and commitment to the competition. Prizes were handed over by Dr. Feh Mary, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Cooperation and Innovation, who represented the Vice-Chancellor. In her closing remarks, she lauded the participants for their remarkable performance and encouraged them to continue harnessing their public speaking skills for future endeavors.

The High School Girls Debate Championship was not only a competition but also a transformative experience that empowered young girls to express themselves confidently and engage meaningfully in societal discourse. As the participants departed, they carried with them valuable lessons, newfound confidence, and the determination to become the next generation of influential female voices in Cameroon and beyond.

8Mar

Ernest Ekema Women's Day 2025

Biaka Group Women Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 in Grand Style

The 40^th Edition of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration was a vibrant and empowering one for the women of the Biaka community. With the global theme “For all women and girls: rights, equality and empowerment”, the Biaka women joined thousands of other women from various backgrounds in a series of activities that highlighted their strength, resilience, and unity.

The celebrations kicked off on March 1^st, 2025, at Alcef Park in Limbe, where the Biaka women met with other women from different professions, institutions, and communities for a fun-filled day of games and socialization. The park was filled with excitement as women engaged in friendly competitions in dodgeball, hopscotch(tabala), swimming, and the traditional game of seven stones. In the course of the games, Biaka Group’s Ms. Ebane Ngozi and Ms. Josiane distinguished themselves by winning the 2^nd and 3^rd prizes respectively in the dodgeball competition.

Laughter and cheers filled the air as teams strategized and played their hearts out. The dodgeball competition was particularly intense, with teams displaying both skill and teamwork. The swimming event also drew much attention, as participants challenged each other in friendly races, showcasing their athleticism. Beyond the games, women took time to network, share experiences, and celebrate one another, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and empowerment.

On March 8, the official 2025 International Women’s Day, the Biaka women, alongside other women from professional bodies, institutions, traditional and cultural groups, converged at the Independence Square at Clerks Quarters, Buea, for the annual march parade. The event, presided over by the Governor of the South West Region, was a spectacle of unity and strength.

Dressed in their official IWD fabric, the Biaka women marched with pride, their colorful outfits symbolizing their commitment to gender equality and empowerment. Various women leaders took turns addressing the crowd, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, equal opportunities, and the need for continuous advocacy for women’s rights. The Governor, in his keynote speech, praised the contributions of women in different sectors and encouraged them to keep pushing boundaries.

After the parade, the Biaka women retreated to the Biaka Complex for a special celebration organized exclusively for them. The atmosphere was joyous as they gathered to mark the function together. The event at the Biaka Complex began with an opening prayer, setting the tone for an afternoon of appreciation and merriment. The Vice-Chancellor of Biaka University Institute of Buea then took the stage to deliver a welcome address, acknowledging the remarkable efforts of the women in various fields and their significant contributions to the growth of not only the institution but also individual lives, families, and the entire community at large.

A particularly touching moment of the celebration was when the Biaka women collectively presented a gift to their Board-chair, president and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mrs Francisca Hongla Biaka, as a token of appreciation for her unwavering support and unique leadership qualities. The gesture was met with heartfelt gratitude, symbolizing the deep respect and unity within the Biaka community.

Following the formal proceedings, the atmosphere transitioned into one of pure fun and excitement. Women engaged in different games, reliving the playful spirit of their youth. Some male colleagues also joined the celebration, standing in solidarity with the women and showing their support for gender inclusivity.

The day culminated in a refreshment session, where everyone enjoyed delicious food and drinks while continuing to share stories and experiences as they danced to different jams and tunes. The Biaka women left the celebration feeling empowered, appreciated, and motivated to keep making a difference in their respective roles.

The 2025 International Women’s Day celebration was more than just an event; it was a reaffirmation of the strength, resilience, and unity of the Biaka women. Through sports, socialization, and recognition of achievements, the day served as a powerful reminder of the vital role women play in society. As the day’s festivities drew to an end, one thing was clear: the Biaka women had not only celebrated but had also inspired one another to continue striving for excellence and inclusion in all spheres of life.

21Feb

Ernest Ekema BUIB Journals

Introducing the Biaka University Institute of Buea Journal of Management and Business (BUIBJMB) – First Edition

The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) is proud to introduce the Biaka University Institute of Buea Journal of Management and Business (BUIBJMB), a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in management and business studies. This journal is an initiative of the School of Management Sciences at BUIB and serves as an academic platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners worldwide.

A Platform for Cutting-Edge Research and Innovation

BUIBJMB embodies the philosophy of “Audacity to be Different”, a core principle that drives Biaka University Institute of Buea to be a leader in research, education, and innovation. The journal is committed to publishing high-quality, impactful research that explores new and existing management and business philosophies, best practices, and breakthrough innovations.

Our goal is to foster dialogue and collaboration between academia and industry professionals, creating a synergy that enhances both theoretical and practical applications in the business world. As globalization continues to reshape industries, BUIBJMB will focus on critical challenges and emerging trends in management, business strategies, and entrepreneurship.

Why Publish with BUIBJMB?

Rigorous Peer-Review Process – Ensuring academic excellence and integrity.
Fast and Efficient Publication – Timely reviews and publication for high visibility.
Interdisciplinary Approach – Connecting different disciplines and innovative methodologies.
Wide Dissemination – Print and online access to reach a global audience.
Support for Young Researchers – Publishing high-quality postgraduate research and dissertations.

What to Expect in Our First Edition

The inaugural edition of BUIBJMB features a diverse collection of research papers covering:

Emerging trends in business management and entrepreneurship.
The impact of globalization on business strategies.
Innovations in management practices and leadership.
The role of technology in modern business operations.

We invite scholars, professionals, and postgraduate students to explore the insights provided in this edition and engage in meaningful discussions that contribute to the evolution of business and management sciences.

Call for Submissions

BUIBJMB is open for submissions from researchers and professionals interested in sharing their expertise. We welcome research papers, case studies, book reviews, conference proceedings, and editorials. If you have valuable insights and findings, this is the perfect platform to showcase your work.

Join Us in Advancing Knowledge

The BUIBJMB is more than just a journal—it is a movement toward excellence in management and business research. We encourage academic institutions, industry experts, and young scholars to contribute and benefit from the wealth of knowledge that will be disseminated.

For more information about submission guidelines, upcoming editions, and collaborations, visit our website or contact our editorial board. Let’s shape the future of business and management together!

Stay connected. Stay informed. Be part of the change with BUIBJMB!

21Feb

Ernest Ekema Simulation

BUIB Nursing Students Undergo Practical Exams at Cheryl-Ann Portwood Simulation Center

Nursing students of the Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) took part in a rigorous practical examination at the state-of-the-art Cheryl-Ann Portwood Simulation Center in BUIB, an essential component of their semester assessments. The simulation center, renowned for its advanced medical training facilities, provided an ideal setting for the students to showcase their clinical skills under close supervision.

The practical exams involved standardized patients: trained individuals who acted as real patients, allowing students to conduct hands-on assessments in a controlled environment. Taking turns, the aspiring nurses conducted vital sign checks, meticulously measuring blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, and pulse. Each student was required to interpret their findings and provide a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition, simulating a real hospital scenario.

As the students worked diligently, supervisors and clinical instructors observed from a close distance, evaluating their technique, accuracy, and patient interaction. Every movement, from how the blood pressure cuff was applied to the way patient history was gathered, was closely scrutinized. The supervisors not only assessed technical proficiency but also paid keen attention to communication skills, ensuring that students provided clear explanations and reassurance to their patients.

For many, the experience was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. A couple of first-year nursing students shared her thoughts after their session affirming that it felt like being in an actual hospital setting. The standardized patients responded just like real patients, which made the experience very immersive. Nervous at first, but stayed professional and focused on the skills.

About the importance of such simulations in nursing education, “Practical assessments like these are crucial because they bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practical application. The Cheryl-Ann Portwood Simulation Center provides an environment where students can make mistakes and learn from them before they go into clinical practice.” Mme Palle Elizabeth, one of the lead assessors and director of the Simulation center emphasized.

The practical exams not only tested the students’ ability to measure vital signs but also assessed their critical thinking, decision-making, and professional demeanor. Those who excelled demonstrated confidence, accuracy, and an ability to connect with their patients’ which are key attributes of competent nurses.

At the end of each session, grading was done for all students, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement. With the practical exams session successfully completed, the nursing students would leave the simulation center better prepared for their future roles in healthcare, knowing that every skill practiced brought them a step closer to becoming competent and compassionate professionals.

1 2 3 … 8 Next page

The Audacity to be Different

Author Archives: Ernest Ekema