By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The Bishop Rogan Ex-Students Association (BIROCOL-EXSA) on Saturday, December 6, 2025, concluded a highly engaging and historic Annual General Meeting at the Bishop Rogan College Minor Seminary campus in Small Soppo, Buea. The two-day event, which began on December 5 with working sessions and courtesy visits to the Bishop of Buea and various branch executives, climaxed with the election of a new national executive bureau led by Achankeng Collins.
This year’s AGM was particularly significant as the association continues to undertake major infrastructural and spiritual support projects for its alma mater. Activities began on Saturday morning with a solemn pontifical Mass in the college chapel, uniting generations of ex-students in worship and thanksgiving. The Mass was followed by a fundraising event aimed at supporting the renovation of the institution’s pit toilets, an urgent project aligned with the association’s ongoing efforts to improve student welfare.
During the AGM proper, members received reports from the Rector, branches, and the Diamond Jubilee Committee before proceeding to the highly anticipated elections. In what was described as a tightly contested and spirited race between the Limbe and Douala chapters, Achankeng Collins emerged victorious as the new National President of BIROCOL-EXSA.
In his acceptance speech, President-elect Achankeng expressed profound gratitude and humility. He acknowledged the challenges the association has faced across chapters in the U.S., Europe, Cameroon, and Russia, and pledged to restore cohesion and active participation. “We’re definitely going to work significantly in order to adjust that,” he stated.
Achankeng announced several flagship initiatives his administration intends to pursue, including an annual Bishop Rogan’s Heroes Award to honour members who have made outstanding contributions to the association’s growth. The award ceremony will take place the day before each AGM. He also revealed plans to introduce a bi-annual BIROCOL-EXSA newsletter to ensure transparent reporting and keep members updated on management and project developments.
While reaffirming EXSANS responsibility to uplift each other, Achankeng placed equal emphasis on supporting the alma mater. He underscored the college’s primary mission as a minor seminary dedicated to training future priests and nurturing morally upright young men. “We will ensure that we stay in line with those standards and give the necessary support to help train our future priests,” he said.
Emphasising unity and inclusivity, the new president stressed that every former student, regardless of religious affiliation or personal worldview remains a valued member of the BIROCOL family. “There is that unique aspect about them which we call BIROCOL-EXSANS,” he reaffirmed, pledging to provide space for diverse voices and perspectives within the association.
The incoming president commended the outgoing team for their remarkable stewardship over the past six years, particularly in leading the Diamond Jubilee projects and rebranding efforts such as the new school signpost. “In our own small way, we can impact great change,” he remarked.
Earlier, Rector of Bishop Rogan College, Rev. Father Joseph Epie Ngome, PhD, praised the role of EXSANS in supporting the institution. He described the college as a unique formation ground shaping future priests and responsible citizens. Highlighting recent alumni-led interventions including dormitory renovations and the revival of the once-dormant beekeeping club, Father Ngome encouraged continued collaboration. He prayed that the new executive would embody the “wisdom of Solomon,” stressing the importance of a leader with a “heart that listens.”
Outgoing National President, Molute Simon, also took the stage to reflect on his tenure. He expressed deep satisfaction for having successfully led the association through the landmark Diamond Jubilee and delivered all earmarked projects. He credited teamwork for the administration’s achievements and urged the incoming bureau to maintain the same spirit of inclusiveness, consultation, and shared responsibility.
As EXSANS dispersed after the emotionally charged assembly, the message was unmistakable: BIROCOL-EXSA stands at the dawn of renewed unity, strengthened purpose, and sustained commitment to both its members and the institution that shaped them. With a new executive team in place and ambitious plans underway, the association looks forward to deepening its impact in the years ahead.