The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) today November 9th, 2024 hosted a memorable convocation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of its graduating class in a grand event marked by dignity, inspiration, and a call to service. The ceremony highlighted the university’s dedication to academic excellence, community outreach, and the holistic development of its students.
The event began with an academic procession, showcasing the graduating students and staff in their full academic regalia. The procession set the ceremonial tone, embodying the pride and achievement of the BUIB community. This was followed by ecumenical prayers, invoking divine blessings on the graduates and all participants. The university choir then led the gathering in heartfelt renditions of the Cameroon National Anthem and the Biaka Group Anthem, uniting attendees in a spirit of shared purpose and celebration.
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.
The Vice-Chancellor further emphasized the transformative power of education, urging the graduates to carry forward the values of excellence, integrity, and service instilled during their time at BUIB. She encouraged them to be innovative and proactive in addressing societal challenges, reminding them that their achievements were not just personal milestones but also stepping stones toward making a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. “As you leave these walls,” she remarked, “remember that you are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the responsibility to lead and inspire positive change.”
The keynote address was delivered by the guest speaker, Professor Molindo, who spoke passionately on the timely theme “Education in the Service of Humanity and Community Outreach.” Professor Molindo highlighted the critical role education plays in shaping individuals who can address societal challenges with compassion and innovation. He urged the graduates to view their knowledge as a tool for uplifting others, emphasizing that true education transcends personal achievement and contributes to the greater good. Drawing from real-life examples and his own experiences, he encouraged them to actively engage in community development initiatives, foster inclusivity, and champion sustainable practices that benefit both local and global communities. “Education,” he remarked, “is most powerful when it is used to serve and transform lives.” He added that, “Education is not merely a privilege; it is a responsibility to uplift and serve humanity.” His thought-provoking speech was met with resounding applause.
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.
A valedictory address, delivered by a representative of the graduating class, encapsulated the collective experiences, challenges, and triumphs of their academic journey. It was an emotional moment as the graduate expressed gratitude to the faculty, family, and peers who had played a vital role in their success.
Special messages from the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buea, Professor Ngomo Horace, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Professor Gapsa Wilfred, the parliamentarian for Buea Urban, Hon. Esembe Malomba who came alongside the winners of the just ended “NA WE WE” football tournament to show appreciation to Dr. Francisca Biaka for her unending support to community development, added further prestige to the occasion. All three speakers commended BUIB for its academic rigor and emphasized the importance of its graduates in advancing national and global development.
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.
As the graduates move forward into the next phase of their lives, they carry with them the values instilled by BUIB: excellence, integrity, and service. Today’s convocation was not just a celebration of achievement but also a reminder of the transformative power of education in shaping a brighter future for humanity.
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.
