Blog – Page 3 – BIAKA UNIVERSITY

6Feb

Cameroonian Artists Salatiel and Mary Asaba Inspire Students at Biaka University Institute of Buea Ahead of Youth Day

The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) was charged with excitement as renowned Cameroonian artists Salatiel and Mary Asaba visited the institution on February 5th and 6^th respectively to build momentum ahead of the National Youth Day celebrations. Their presence brought an atmosphere of enthusiasm, inspiration, and entertainment, as students and staff gathered at the ceremonial ground to welcome the artists.

The Vice-Chancellor warmly received the artists upon their arrival, setting the stage for a memorable engagement with the university community. As they made their way to the ceremonial ground, the audience erupted into cheers and shouts, showing their admiration for the celebrated musicians.

The visit commenced with a welcome address by the Director of Administration and Finance, who underscored the significance of the occasion and the role of young people in shaping the future of Cameroon. The highlight of the event was the insightful discussions led by the guest artists.

On the 5^th of February, Salatiel, a multi-award-winning musician, Cameroon music executive, CEO and frontline artist of Alpha Better Records, took the stage alongside Mr. Nemkul Samuel (Director of Academic Affairs – BUIB) and Mr. Ngateng Donald (Alpha better team) for a panel discussion on the topic, “From Dreams to Global Impact: Building a Legacy Through Skills, Talent, Entrepreneurship, and Service” moderated by Mr. Otte Ernest (Communications Officer – BUIB). The panel delved into the power of passion, perseverance, and innovation in the creative industry and beyond. Salatiel encouraged students to harness their unique abilities, pursue their dreams fearlessly, strive to make a global impact through their skills & service to the community and happenings surrounding Salatiel’s 10years anniversary as an artist.

On February 6^th, Mary Asaba, the “Mon Bebe” crooner, an Award winning artist signed under Queen Mother Records and a proud alumna of BUIB, took center stage. She delivered an insightful talk on “First Aid Awareness and the Role of Music and Arts in Promoting Mental Health, Self-Confidence, and Emotional Well-being.” Asaba shared her personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience, self-expression, and the therapeutic power of music and arts in navigating life’s challenges. Her message resonated deeply with the students, inspiring them to embrace creativity as a tool for personal and social well-being.

Following the discussions, both artists thrilled the audience with captivating musical performances, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of joy and celebration. Their melodies echoed through the campus, reinforcing the unifying power of music.

To cap off their visit, Salatiel and Mary Asaba were presented with gifts from BUIB as a token of appreciation for their impactful contributions. The event not only set the tone for the Youth Day celebrations but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of students and staff, reinforcing the values of hard work, creativity, and resilience.

The visit of these two celebrated artists to BUIB was a testament to the institution’s commitment to holistic education one that nurtures both academic excellence and personal development. As the Youth Day celebrations approach, students are more inspired than ever to embrace their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

18Dec

Ernest Ekema Lighting of Christmas Tree

Atmosphere of Love, Joy, and Generosity: Biaka’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festive season at the Biaka University Institute of Buea was ushered in with the grand traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at the Biaka Complex. The event brought together students, staff, and their families in a heartwarming celebration filled with music, joy, and the spirit of togetherness. Christmas is a season that brings people together in a unique atmosphere of love, joy, and generosity. It is marked by traditions such as decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, singing carols, and gathering with family and friends. Spiritually, it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope, peace, and goodwill among humanity. The festive mood is enhanced by special meals, acts of charity, and the general feeling of warmth and togetherness that define the holiday season.

The evening commenced with a solemn word of prayer led by Madam Tening, invoking blessings upon the institution, its members, and the celebration ahead. This was followed by the resonant voices of attendees singing the Biaka Anthem, reinforcing their unity and pride in the institution.

The representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Epah Fonkeng George, then took to the stage, expressing the administration’s joy in hosting such a momentous occasion. He emphasized the importance of Christmas as a season of love, sharing, and reflection, encouraging everyone to embrace its message both within the institution and beyond. His words set the perfect tone for an evening filled with merriment and goodwill.

As the program advanced, the air buzzed with excitement when the BUIB Choir took center stage, filling the night with traditional and modern Christmas carols. Their harmonious voices carried messages of hope and celebration, stirring emotions among the audience. The guest choir, CYF Bomaka, added even more energy to the night, their melodious voices drawing cheers and applause from the crowd. Not to be left out, students and staff of BUIB showcased their musical prowess, proving that talent within the Biaka community was truly unmatched. Their performances, filled with passion and skill, heightened the excitement of the evening.

A moment of pure delight arrived with the much-anticipated introduction of Santa Claus. The cheers from children and adults alike filled the venue as Santa made his way through the crowd, spreading laughter and warmth. He handed out gifts to students, staff, and their children, lighting up faces with joy and making the evening even more memorable.

As the night drew to a close, the representative of the Vice-Chancellor returned to the stage to deliver a heartfelt Christmas wish to all members of the Biaka Group. He extended warm wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness, urging everyone to carry the spirit of love and unity into the new year.

With the glowing Christmas tree standing tall as a symbol of hope and celebration, the event ended on a high note, leaving attendees with cherished memories of a beautiful night spent in fellowship and festivity. The Biaka Complex had once again been transformed into a beacon of joy, reminding everyone of the true essence of Christmas.

6Dec

Ernest Ekema Seminars

Cybersecurity Meets Culture: Bridging Cultures Between Cameroon and Switzerland

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.

22Nov

Ernest Ekema Library Day

BUIB Library Open Day Celebrations: Information Sourcing as a Key to Academic Success

The St. Francis Library of the Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) was a hub of intellectual engagement and excitement as students and faculty members gathered to celebrate the Library Open Day under the theme Information Sourcing: A Key to Academic Success. The event, designed to emphasize the role of the library in fostering academic excellence, brought together university officials, students, and invited guests for a day filled with learning and competition.

The program commenced with a solemn word of prayer, setting a reverent tone for the day. This was followed by an address from the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fonkeng Epah George, who underscored the necessity and benefits of making effective use of the library. In his speech, he highlighted how libraries remain the cornerstone of academic success, offering students access to vast reservoirs of knowledge that go beyond the limitations of internet searches. He urged students to develop the habit of visiting the library regularly and utilizing its resources to enhance their learning experience.

Following the opening remarks, the event transitioned into a series of engaging activities that tested and stimulated the intellectual prowess of students. A quiz competition was organized, challenging participants on a variety of academic and general knowledge questions. The friendly yet competitive nature of the quiz kept the audience engaged as students enthusiastically competed for the top spot. Another highlight of the day was the debate on the topic, Are Smartphones Sufficient for Studies and Research? This thought-provoking discussion saw two teams present compelling arguments both for and against the motion. The proponents argued that smartphones provide instant access to a wealth of information, allowing students to conduct research efficiently and stay updated with the latest academic materials. On the other hand, the opposing team contended that while smartphones offer convenience, they cannot replace the depth, credibility, and structured learning provided by library resources, including books, journals, and academic databases. The debate sparked insightful contributions from the audience, reflecting the relevance of the topic in today’s digital age.

The intellectual atmosphere was further enriched by a keynote presentation from the guest speaker, Professor Rosemary Shafack, who spoke extensively on the theme of the celebration. Drawing from her vast experience in academia and library sciences, she expounded on the importance of proper information sourcing in academic work. She stressed that while technology has revolutionized access to information, students must be critical and discerning in their research, ensuring that they rely on credible sources rather than unchecked internet materials. Professor Shafack also highlighted strategies for effective library use, urging students to seek guidance from librarians who are well-equipped to assist in research.

As the event neared its conclusion, outstanding participants in the quiz and debate competitions were recognized and awarded prizes. The awards served as both a reward for excellence and a motivation for students to cultivate a culture of research and knowledge-seeking. To crown the day’s activities, attendees embarked on a guided tour of the St. Francis Library. The tour provided an opportunity for students, particularly newcomers, to familiarize themselves with the library’s layout, available resources, and the various services offered. Library staff took time to explain the classification system, digital resources, and research assistance programs available to students. The tour was an eye-opener for many, reinforcing the significance of the library in their academic journey.

The BUIB Library Open Day was not just an event but an eye-opening experience that reinforced the value of information sourcing in academic success. With engaging discussions, competitive activities, and insightful presentations, participants left with a renewed appreciation for the library as an indispensable tool in their educational pursuits. The success of this year’s celebration sets a strong precedent for future events, ensuring that the St. Francis Library remains a beacon of knowledge and academic excellence within the Biaka University Institute of Buea.

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