On Friday, December 6, 2024, There was anticipation as students, faculty members, and cybersecurity enthusiasts eagerly awaited to engage with the “Cubersecurity Meets Culture” workshop’s diverse agenda as the serene Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) campus became the hub of an international exchange of ideas during a workshop themed “National and Organizational Culture to Cybersecurity in Cameroon and Switzerland.” Held in CRB 3 300A, this impactful event sought to address the ever-evolving cyber threats faced by institutions, individuals, and organizations while exploring cultural dimensions of cybersecurity in two distinct national contexts: Cameroon and Switzerland.
Registration tables were set early, managed by dedicated facilitators from the BUIB team, participants were handed branded materials, including jotters and pens, symbolizing the collaborative spirit of the workshop, setting the hall with vibrant conversations and an electric sense of readiness for the day ahead.
The workshop opened with a warm welcome from the representative of the Vice-Chancellor of BUIB, Professor Fonkeng Epah George, DVC in charge of Academic Affairs and Research, whose address set a reflective tone for the event. He on behalf of the VC, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding academic institutions and fostering cross-border collaborations. Prof. Fonkeng Epah George shared insights on the cultural influences shaping cybersecurity practices in Cameroon. His address underscored the need for awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks of cyber threats in the nation’s rapidly digitizing economy.
Complementing Prof. Fonkeng’s remarks was Prof. Dr. Bettina Schneider from FHNW, who emphasized the importance of integrating cybersecurity into organizational policies. Her speech highlighted Switzerland’s approach to addressing cyber threats through stringent IT regulations, collaborative research, and educational initiatives.
The day’s first academic session was a paper presentation facilitated by the executing team members. These experts laid the foundation for understanding the intersection of culture and cybersecurity, offering thought-provoking data on how societal values influence organizational approaches to IT security. The presentation sparked keen interest among participants, some of whom took detailed notes while others eagerly awaited the chance to ask questions during the subsequent sessions.
The second session resumed with a presentation by Dr. Stephen Nseme Ndode. With his engaging energy and delivery, Dr. Stephen N. Ndode shed light on “Raising Awareness on Cyber Threats” and the various types of cyber threats plaguing institutions and individuals in Cameroon. From phishing scams to ransomware attacks, he emphasized how limited awareness and poor digital hygiene practices exacerbate vulnerabilities. His session was practical, offering protective measures that could be implemented both at the individual and institutional levels.
Dr. Stephen N. Ndode concluded with a powerful call to action, urging participants to share their newfound knowledge with others and contribute to a safer digital environment in their respective spheres.
A short break followed, providing participants with the opportunity to enjoy coffee and snacks while networking informally. The refreshments served as a bridge between the intellectual rigor of the sessions and the equally important task of building relationships among attendees.
Dr. Nkemeni Valery led the following session on “Stories of Organizations/Individuals That Have Been Hacked.” His presentation brought a human element to the discussions, narrating real-life experiences of cyber breaches that ranged from corporate espionage to personal data theft.
One striking story was about a small business owner whose entire financial database was compromised through a seemingly innocuous email attachment. The narrative left participants in shock, as many realized the ease with which hackers exploit unprotected systems. Participants also shared stories on how colleagues’ WhatsApp and social media accounts were recently hacked
Dr. Valery juxtaposed these local cases highlighting similarities and differences in the nature of cyber threats faced by Cameroon, Switzerland and other countries. His session ended with a brief but impactful discussion on lessons learned and the resilience required to recover from such attacks.
The focus then shifted to the role of university staff in ensuring IT security, presented by Herman Grieder from FHNW. Grieder shared insights into how Swiss universities approach cybersecurity, particularly in the face of increasing attempts to breach sensitive academic data. Using FHNW as a case study, Grieder detailed measures like staff training programs, automated monitoring systems, and robust IT frameworks. He also stressed the importance of fostering a culture of vigilance, where every university member, from administrators to students, takes responsibility for maintaining a secure digital environment.
Grieder’s session resonated strongly with the audience, especially as he outlined actionable steps that Cameroonian universities could adopt to boost their cybersecurity efforts.
As the workshop concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose. The day’s discussions had not only illuminated the cultural dimensions of cybersecurity but also highlighted practical solutions for addressing cyber threats.
The final segment of the day was reserved for networking and refreshments. Participants mingled freely, exchanging contact information and discussing how they could collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives.
In her opening address, the Vice-Chancellor of BUIB extended a warm welcome to all guests and congratulated the graduates on their academic accomplishments. She lauded their resilience and dedication, reminding them that they were leaving as ambassadors of BUIB, prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.
Following this, the Registrar presented the graduating class to the assembly, officially marking their transition from students to alumni. The moment was both solemn and celebratory, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
The ceremony proceeded with the awarding of prizes to outstanding students, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The awardees received loud cheers from family, friends, and well-wishers serving as a source of inspiration for future cohorts.
The event concluded with a recessional march of the staff, symbolizing the closure of the ceremony and the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates.
Upon arrival, the U.S. Embassy delegation received a warm reception from BUIB’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Francisca Hongla Biaka, and other university dignitaries. After introductory greetings, the delegation was led on a comprehensive tour of the campus facilities, highlighting the university’s commitment to practical, high-quality education. The delegation visited key areas, including the BUIB Simulation center, science laboratories, IT lab, library, Biaka Hospital, and lecture halls. These spaces showcased BUIB’s modern infrastructure and its focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in various fields.
Following the campus tour, the U.S. Embassy and BUIB teams convened at the Biaka Hospital conference room for a formal information session. Dr. Francisca Hongla Biaka opened the session by welcoming the U.S. delegation and introducing university leaders. In her address, she emphasized the longstanding relationship between BUIB and the U.S. Government through initiatives supported by the Embassy in Yaoundé. This partnership, especially with the Fulbright academic programme which BUIB hosted in 2023, she noted, has consistently strengthened BUIB’s academic offerings, creating a working bridge between Cameroonian and American educational standards.
Deputy Public Affairs Officer Amanda Cauldwell followed with warm remarks, underscoring the Embassy’s dedication to supporting educational exchange and collaboration between Cameroon and the United States. She spoke about the value of academic partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives, particularly in today’s interconnected world. Ms. Cauldwell expressed hope that the relationship between the U.S. Embassy and BUIB would continue to flourish, opening doors for students and faculty to expand their academic horizons through access to innovative U.S.-backed resources.
One of the most anticipated moments of the session was the presentation on eLibraryUSA, a rich digital resource provided by the U.S. Government. American Spaces Specialist, Ms. Mabel Foncham-Chingang, led the presentation, giving an insightful demonstration of the platform’s extensive offerings. She walked the attendees through eLibraryUSA’s vast collection, which includes academic journals, multimedia resources, and e-books. Ms. Foncham-Chingang highlighted how these resources would benefit both students and faculty by providing access to scholarly material, enhancing research capabilities, and supporting various fields of study.
The Vice Chancellor and university representatives expressed deep appreciation for the Embassy’s outreach efforts and acknowledged the transformative potential of resources like eLibraryUSA for BUIB’s academic community. With its wealth of information, the platform aligns well with BUIB’s educational mission, offering new learning avenues and encouraging a culture of academic excellence.
This maiden visit from the U.S. Embassy set a solid foundation for future collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing educational standards at BUIB. As both teams discussed potential next steps, there was a shared vision of building a thriving academic partnership that would provide Cameroonian students with the tools and opportunities needed to excel on a global stage.
As a gesture of goodwill and commitment to this shared vision, the U.S. Embassy presented the university with a generous gift of desktop computers. This contribution not only symbolizes the Embassy’s support for educational advancement but also equips BUIB with resources to foster digital literacy and innovation among its students.