By Walter Wilson Nana & *Mildred Enayeh
The new Vice Chancellor, VC, of the University of Buea, UB, Dr. Nalova Lyonga has been told to place UB amongst the best universities in the African continent and beyond.
This is the kernel of the message, Higher Education Minister, Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo brought to her and the UB community during her inauguration as the 4th VC of UB.
Dr. Nalova Lyonga looking forward to her new job as Vice Chancellor at University of Buea
Fame Ndongo said the new UB boss must consolidate the climate of peace, solidarity and conviviality that currently reigns in the campus. “You now have the power of general policy in UB, so, you must promote dialogue with the support from your students,” the Higher Education Minister added.
According to Fame Ndongo, it is amongst the responsibilities of the VC to sustain quality in teaching and professionalisation, especially in the era of the Bachelors, Masters and PhD – BMP.
He enjoined Dr. Nalova Lyonga to pilot UB on the bases of systematic evaluation and internal control, apply the resolutions of UB’s Board Meetings, while respecting the laws and regulations of the Republic pertaining to finance management.
Fame Ndongo described Dr. Nalova Lyonga as an astute varsity don, a strict manager, with dexterity, sagacity and tenacity in her style of operation. “It is your performance that has pushed the Head of State to give you this promotion. I am confident you will make us proud as you have always done,” Fame Ndongo noted.
He told the new VC to manage UB in the lines of the new university governance policy in Cameroon, which involve listening to the students, support and teaching staff.
Jacques Fame Ndongo (right) hands over to Dr. Nalova Lyonga
To the out gone Vice Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Titanji, Fame Ndongo thanked him for his commitment in the way he managed affairs in UB in the last six years. “UB needed your service and you answered the call, congratulations, Professor,” Fame Ndongo mentioned.
Making his last official statement in UB, Prof. Titanji expressed gratitude to all who accompanied him in his UB sojourn, while rejoicing that it was the first time power is changing hands in UB in the background of peace, joy and tranquility. “We made UB bigger in statue thanks to the support from the President of Republic, Paul Biya and the leadership and mentoring from Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo,” he said.
Prof. Titanji saw in Dr. Nalova Lyonga a woman of mettle, objectivity, goodness and creativity, while inviting all in the UB community to give her undivided support.
The Day Dr. Nalova Lyonga took over power in UB
On her part, Dr. Nalova Lyonga told the press she is aware of the responsibilities that awaits her as UB ‘s VC and took the commitment to stand up to the task. “We’ll solve all the problems sitting together and talking to each other. I invite all of us to rally around me for us to see success,” she said.
A delegation of visually impaired and handicapped students in UB came in with a song, in which they invoked the spirit of God to bless and guide Dr Nalova Lyonga in her new functions, while expressing gratitude to Prof. Titanji for all he did for them and the UB community.
The Cultural Spice
The installation ceremony of Dr. Nalova Lyonga as the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of UB was not void of cultural displays. The presence of some 36 Fako
The Paramount Chief of Buea HRH Chief SML Endeley blesses Dr Nalova Lyonga after her inauguration as VC of UB
Chiefs could be noticed as they spiritually blessed their daughter through invocations to the gods of Fako to lead and protect her. The representative of the Fako Chiefs gave her a traditionally made basket, which is an indication that the Bakweri woman who always goes to the farm. Therefore, giving it to her according to chiefs symbolises her load, which include; the university students and the administration. Not left behind was the Fako Women’s Development Association FAWODA, to which Dr. Nalova Lyonga belongs. Their Coordinator, Backy Effoe explained that they came to UB to promote their values and make the world know that Dr. Nalova is a generous woman and has helped in fostering their cultural values.
*(Journalism & Media Student On Internship, National Polytechnic, Bambui)
