By Walter Wilson Nana
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, UB, Dr Nalova Lyonga is delighted about the partnership between UB and the Bloomsburg University, BU, Pennsylvania, USA. On the ground in UB, are some twenty students and three teaching staff from BU.
According to the UB VC, the regular visits and exchange programmes they are having from BU is an indication of the special collaboration both universities have. “UB and BU have established a family relationship. We’re fascinated by the themes BU has been employing for the workshops and exchange programmes. It has been a huge learning opportunity for our students and teaching staff,” Nalova said
UB and BU officials, students in a family picture after the opening ceremony of the 2013 Student Leadership Summit
Nalova invited the management of BU to continue being with them so that together they can build on that special relationship. “There is a lot of brain in BU that we in UB must tap from the regular visits. We’ve our limitations to also visit BU regularly but from the good example shown by my predecessor, Prof. Vincent Titanji, we will continue making efforts to get more of our lecturers and students visit BU,” she noted.
The UB VC enjoined the students of UB to make the changes as they evolve. “Everybody is a leader and could be a better leader. Do the talking and walk the walk. Let’s go beyond the Leadership Summit 2013 between UB and BU and see what comes out of it,” she added.
The Coordinator of the BU Exchange Programmes in UB and Cameroon, who doubles as a lecturer in the department of Literature, African & African – American Literature, Dr. Stephen Ekema Agbaw said the 2013 Students Leadership Summit between BU and UB is part of the larger context existing between the two institutions since 2008 that a protocol agreement was signed.
Ekema said their primary objective is for the BU students to take classes in UB and get into the learning programme of an African university. He will add; “It’s also a cultural immersion programme as the BU students visit about six of the ten Regions of Cameroon.”
Wallace (L) & UB VC, Dr Nalova, fortify UB & BU partnership with a warm handshake and exchange of gifts
The BU official said the ongoing exchange activities between the students of BU and UB give them an opportunity to make an impact in their communities.
The varsity don mentioned that Cameroonian students can make a contribution to the academic career of American students and vice versa. “Students should not be passive observers of their communities,” he cautioned.
Earlier, Ashley Wallace, President of Student government, BU, entreated all to be the change they wish to see in others and across the world. “Identify the change you wish to see in the world and make it your priority,” she noted.
She prayed for an engaging workshop between BU and UB students, saying; “I am excited to see what comes out of them.”
As head of the student government in BU, Wallace has the mandate to oversee the activities of over 10,000 student registered in BU.
The theme for this year’s Student Leadership Summit is; Leadership, Communication, Globalisatio
