Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon
Dr. Nalova Lyonga, Vice Chancellor, VC, of the University of Buea has told the UB community that her administration is making efforts to restore conformity over rebellion in UB.
From the background of recent strike actions in UB, fomented by a handful of students in the guise of University of Buea Students’ Union, UBSU, Nalova Lyonga at an Inter-Religious ceremony to commemorate New Year 2013 in UB, installation of newly appointed officials and sending off of retirees said; “Students don’t need to fight for political positions in UBSU. They should fight for a good Great Point Average, GPA.”
UB VC poses with retirees.
According to the VC, UB is a great university, where students are expected to study in a cordial atmosphere, imbibe good values, look out for their ideals and move forward. “We’re doing our job and we’ll forever do the job, whether you like us or not,” she said.
Nalova said her administration will not tolerate the destruction of UB, at a time when educational opportunities have been lined up for the institution, citing the imminent operation of the Mathematical School, the study of Endangered Languages, the offer of African Union, AU, degrees in the areas of Swahili, English and French in the Advanced School of Translation & Interpretation, ASTI, thanks to ADB support. “We also have Prof. Nganje from the USA, who is here to promote a course on Entrepreneurship to all Masters’ Students of UB,” she added.
She announced the creation of UB’s Heroes’ Trail, which is the induction of honourable persons, who have made UB the place to be since the institution went operational.
cross section of UB officials and South West Governor's cabinet
“We’re talking about people who have made UB grow, not talking politics. We’re asking individuals to contribute names in this endeavour that will come into fruition at the 20th anniversary of UB. The statues of the selected persons will be constructed on the UB campus,” the VC explained.
She entreated the 61 appointed officials to take their jobs seriously, do their work and relax. “I’m proud of my Deans and my closest collaborators. Let them make things happen,” she prescribed.
Nalova expressed gratitude to the government and the women of UB for their sense of progress.
Time To Reflect
UB’s Registrar, Chief/ Prof. Samson Negbo Abangma said it was not only a moment to celebrate the VC’s achievements for UB since she came to the helm of power on July 12 2012, it was also time to reflect on the challenges of UB, which has been a mixed bag from 2012.
Cross section of newly appointed officials in UB
“We’ve had our highs and lows, we’ve challenges in the areas of inadequate human resources and some unpaid dues to hard working staff, but they will not bug down the UB machinery,” he said.
He saw in the students, staff and support staff relationship of UB as symbiotic, saying the FCFA 378 Million scholarship grants from President Biya to some deserving students of UB were disbursed without hitches.
However, Prof. Abangma expressed disdain on the recent strike actions in the UB campus, adding that they have not been helping UB. “Those strike actions are touting the expected growth of UB. They are distractions from UBSU. UBSU is a good idea turned upside down,” he mentioned.
The UB Registrar said the VC of UB is putting in her best, her leadership is creative, the UB community is behind her and a collegiate and lasting arrangements are on course to the solve the UBSU equation in UB.
Recognition of Retired Staff
Rev.Fr Celestin Diang
UB respected tradition by recognising and encouraging some of their senior and support staff, who recently, went on deserved retirement. Amongst them were former Vice Chancellors; Prof Vincent Titanji and Prof. Cornelius Lambi and former Accountant, Mrs Lydia Egbe. These individuals were given cash prizes of up to FCFA 200,000 each as they move into another step of their lives.
UB – MTN Scholarship Scheme
The first of its kind in Cameroon’s higher education sector, UB clinched a deal with MTN Cameroon to give out scholarships to 25 needy students in UB. “The scholarship worth FCFA 200,000 to each of the students will cater for their Registration fee, books and lodging for each academic year and will go on for three years, following the performance of the students,” the VC said.
Nalova said the poverty-alleviation scholarship scheme is for poor parents with gifted children.
UB students and beneficiaries of the UB - MTN scholarship scheme
“This is a scholarship with a difference. The UB environment is expensive to some parents. This is an initiative for good standing. The beneficiaries must have a GPA of 2 and above in order to continuously benefit from the scheme. MTN will not be glad to give assistance to sub standards students,” she explained.
The UB VC said her institution is interested in ethical issues, noting that the 25 beneficiaries were recommended by community and church leaders. “These students should count themselves blessed. Let them go ahead and pay for their accommodation fees. The UB administration will be checking on them closely,” she added.
Felix Mailiy, MTN Cameroon Mobile Money Business Development Coordinator said their company is giving back to the community that is supporting their endeavours in Cameroon. “It’s part of our values to assist the needy and contribute in the building capacity of youths in Cameroon.”
Appointed Officials
UB VC, Dr Nalova greets former VC of UB, Prof Titanji and other retirees
In the roll call of the 61 newly appointed officials in UB, the following were appointed in the College of Technology; Dr. Michael Sone Ajang, Dr. Thomas Attia Mih, Dr. Tobias Apinjoh Obejum, Francisca Ndah Anyene Atumo, Oumar Maamat, Boniface Epo Ngah, Jean Soncheu, Philemon Ze Bilo’o, Wenceslas Yana and Livingstone Antunka.
In the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Frederick Tilili Moleye replaced Adolf Sunyin Nubidga as the Private Secretary.
In the Academic Affairs Office, the following stepped into new responsibilities; Dr. Ayu’nwi Neba, Martin Besong Mbi and Angela Lum Mformuluh.
Those redeployed to the Office of Research, Cooperation & Relations with the Business World included; Justine Ayuk, Simon Ndah and Jakai Kange.
Mrs Nicole Okalia Bilai hands over an attestation & cash prize of FCFA 200,000 to a UB needy student
Bih Nebah Domche got into the Students’ Affairs Office as Head of Division, Catering Division.
David Ngou Esame got in as Head of Service, Administration & Personnel in the Administrative Affairs Office.
In the Information Technology Centre, Vivian Joso Mbella Musenja stepped into the Financial Service as Head.
Daniel Kange was appointed Coordinator of Electricity in the Development Office.
The following were appointed into the Faculty of Arts; Prof. Anne Tanyi Tang, Dr. Evelyne Fogwe Chibaka Shirri-Neh, Dr. Richard Talla and Grace Egbe.
In the Faculty of Education, the following got new functions; Dr. Peter Nanne Ebontane, Patrick Ekema and Claside Helee Zoe Mballa Mokwo-Mbame.
The Malley Traditional Dance graced the event
Faculty of Health Sciences had the following appointed in various services; Dr. Dickson Nsagha, Dr. Anna Njunda. Dr. Lucy Ndip, Dr. Charles Abortogo Eyong, Dr. John Palle Ngunde, Dr. Alain Chichom Mefie, Dr. Pius Fokam, Dr. Vincent Verla Sivi and Dr. Simeon Choukem.
In the Faculty of Science, the following were moved in; Prof. Eric Achidi Akum, Patience Taku Ekompbang, Dr. Paul Chongwain, Dr. Lydia Lifongo Likowo, Dr. Denis Nkweteyim, Dr. Athanasius Nkwatoh Fanshi, Christina Bih Konje Nsuh, Dr. Helen Ngum Ntonifor and Sophie Efeti Njie.
In the Faculty of Social & Management Sciences, Dr. Kingsley Ngange got the responsibility of Faculty Officer, while Dr. Julius Che Tita moved in as Head of Department, Journalism & Mass Communication. Other appointed officials in the faculty include; Mariline Mbua Mbake, Janarius Atemkeng, Agnes Monoke and Dr. William Visemih Muffee.
The following officials had posts of responsibilities in the Faculty of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Thomas Njock Eku and Dr. Lum Ayoeffe Fontem.
In the Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Moses Minang Sonde was appointed Head of Service, Records.
In the Advanced School of Translators & Interpreters, ASTI, the following were appointed; Dr. Susan Ayonghe, Dr. Laurent Roger Azambou Ndongmo, Dr. George Sakwe, Olivier Denis Nkenji and Nyenti Tambe Arrey.
At the Information & Communication Technology Centre, Harry Ngum stepped in as the Manager.
