By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The President of Catholic University Institute of Buea (CUIB), Reverend Father Bartholomew Anyanwu, has exhorted close to 700 freshmen of the institution to cultivate a growth mindset and embrace innovation as they embark on this new chapter in their academic journey.
He was speaking during the convocation ceremony which took place November 27, 2024 at the CUIB campus. The ceremony which witnessed the presence of the Chancellor/Pro-Chancellor of the University, Bishop Michael Bibi, Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, equally had in attendance faculty and staff of the institution as well as the freshmen and sophomores (2nd year students) who were neatly dressed to give the event the grandeur it deserved.
Addressing the freshmen and sophomores, the President of CUIB challenged them to think critically, question the status quo and pursue knowledge with relentless passion.
“As you begin your studies, I encourage you to embrace the following; cultivate a growth mindset, make academic excellence your priority, be involved in extra-curricular activities, embrace diversity and inclusion and develop a strong ethical compass”.
He further urged the matriculants to embrace challenges as opportunities, learn how to re-strategise, believe in their own power and develop self-confidence. “Attend classes/lectures regularly, explore new learning methodologies, manage your time effectively and develop strong study habits, embrace innovation, intellectual curiosity and make CUIB a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and can thrive”, Fr. Anyanwu advised.
“Be principled, decent, and virtuous and have outstanding morals. Shun drugs at all cost and flee all the tempting offers of drug deals and be brave enough to seek for help”, he told the students. The President assured the new students of the unwavering support of the CUIB faculty and staff. “Make the most of your time here and use every opportunity to shine out, to seek knowledge, challenge yourself and strive for excellence to ascertain a better tomorrow. May your time here be filled with intellectual stimulation, personal growth and lasting friendships” he concluded.
The Keynote speaker, Barrister Dr. Njissic Stephen Njilla, encouraged the students to build a foundation of integrity; ethics as the cornerstone of professional success. . He spoke on the importance of ethics, the key pillars of ethics and how ethics is a cornerstone to professional success. On how to build their integrity, he urged the students to be honest, learn to take responsibility for their actions, keep to their words and not make promises they can’t keep. “Shun corruption and hypocrisy, set ethical standards for ethical behaviours, practice regular self-reflection to align your actions to your values”, he cautioned.
In a press interview, the Chancellor/Pro-Chancellor, Bishop Michael Bibi reiterated on his message which was on truthfulness and honesty. “We live in a society today where there is a lot of falsehood and lies-telling and as students coming to this university, one of the things we do is to give them the moral and ethical formation that is going to help build them up as far as their lives in the society is concerned and that is why I exhorted them to live in truth because God is truth. I also told them to shun drug addiction. It is my prayer and wish that these students will make a difference in the society by making sure that they avoid the intake of drugs and they do everything possible to act right in the way that God wants us to be”.
The freshmen, taking their convocation oath swore to obey the rules and regulations guiding students conduct and discipline in CUIB. They promised to uphold the right standards of honesty, dignity, trust, fairness, integrity and diligence.
“This is a very significant event because a matriculation exercise is that moment which officially indicates that a student is enrolled in a university. The new students also pledged that they are ready to abide with the rules and regulations of the institution. As bedrocks for a successful intellectual journey, we expect them to be honest and maintain their integrity”, Rev Father Bartholomew Anyanwu reacted to the press.
Aja Mayuel Tashi and Ebong Mercy are freshmen of the Schools of Health Science and Business at CUIB who appreciated the quality of the staff in the institution and promised to give in their very best throughout their academic journey in the university. “We promise to be focused, critical thinkers, determined and study hard to attain our desired objectives”.