By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi, Buea
The University of Buea (UB) has once again opened its doors to the public in a grand two-day event marking the second edition of the UB Open Day. Held under the theme, “Creativity and Innovation: A Key to Youth Entrepreneurial Development”, the event drew hundreds of students, educators, and institutional partners from Buea and beyond, with the goal of providing career orientation, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, and showcasing UB’s dynamic academic and professional offerings.
Launched by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Ngomo Horace Manga, the Open Day brought together a wide range of stakeholders including deputy vice-chancellors, deans, directors, students from public and private high schools, and representatives from mentee institutions under the university. A major highlight this year was the partnership with Source du Pays, which debuted as the official sponsor and is set to establish a long-standing collaboration with UB.
Professor Ngomo, in his opening remarks, stressed the importance of early career orientation and the university’s commitment to professionalisation. “This is a deliberate move as instructed by the Minister of Higher Education, to ensure the competences we send out match the expectations of the job market. We want to guide students toward making the right academic and professional decisions,” he said.
The event was also an opportunity for students to take guided campus tours, exploring UB’s various faculties, schools, and administrative buildings. The “exhibition village” served as the centerpiece of the Open Day, with the Vice-Chancellor cutting the ribbon to officially launch it. Stands were manned by university faculties, partner institutions, financial institutions, and private educational entities who distributed brochures and gave practical demonstrations of their services and innovations.
Professor Sone Michael Ekonde, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of TIC, Teaching, Professionalisation, and ICT Development, provided the broader context of the event. “This year’s Open Day is a guide to youth entrepreneurship through creativity and innovation. Our projects aim to provide solutions for import substitution, especially in the agricultural sector, which is the bedrock of our economy,” he said. He also emphasised the event’s alignment with the 2023 higher education reform law, which positions universities as entrepreneurial hubs in Cameroon’s economic transformation.
Exhibitors highlighted innovative student-led projects, practical training models, and partnerships with banks and insurance companies, reflecting the university’s commitment to producing not just job seekers but job creators. The Vice-Chancellor expressed satisfaction with what he saw.
“The mentorship between UB and its partner institutions is clearly yielding results. I am impressed by the level of professionalism and employability I’ve observed,” he commented during his tour of the exhibition stands.
Throughout the event, emphasis was placed on developing 21st-century skills among prospective students; including problem-solving, adaptability, critical thinking, and collaboration. These were echoed in the speeches and displays from UB’s faculties and its mentee institutions, which are held to the same academic and professional standards.
The Open Day also provided a strategic platform for the university to demonstrate its relevance to the community. “Universities must be in constant interaction with society, proving their utility beyond academics,” noted Professor Ngomo. He added that UB aims to build a workforce capable of adapting to modern market conditions, advancing national development, and contributing meaningfully to social progress.
As the curtains closed on this second edition, it was clear that UB’s vision for an entrepreneurial and innovation-driven academic environment is not just rhetoric but a practical roadmap in action. With stronger partnerships, increased student engagement, and alignment with national educational reforms, the UB Open Day continues to evolve as a vital tool for empowering Cameroon’s youth to build a better future.