By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) on Friday, December 5, 2025 witnessed a landmark moment as more than 1,900 newly admitted students officially joined the institution during a colourful matriculation ceremony marked by reflections on academic excellence, digital transformation, and the nurturing of human values.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Hongla Francisca Biaka, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs and Research, Professor Fonkeng Epah George, opened the ceremony with a message of pride, conviction, and responsibility. He congratulated the matriculating students for choosing education at a time when, as he noted, some still “do not give enough value to education.”
According to Prof. Fonkeng, matriculation is not merely a ritual but the final and most significant stage in the students’ registration process, marking their full entry into a transformational academic and professional journey. He reminded the students that the choice to study at BUIB signifies maturity, ambition, and a willingness to pursue excellence, values at the core of the university’s mission.
He emphasised that the institution remains committed to grooming students into competent professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities. With over 1,700 students matriculated last year and nearly 2,000 this year, he said the growth reflects the trust that families and communities place in BUIB’s quality-driven system.
AI, change and humanity take centre stage
Delivering the keynote address, Mukete Davington spoke on the theme: “Navigating the Academic Journey in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Embracing Change, Nurturing Humanity, and Redefining Learning”. His presentation, broken into three lessons; navigating AI, embracing change, and nurturing humanity, served as a profound guide for the new students. He reminded them that change is inevitable, whether planned or unplanned, and those who learn to adapt will thrive in both academic and professional spaces.
Davington cautioned students against misusing artificial intelligence tools in ways that undermine their personal development. Instead, he encouraged them to use AI responsibly, to refine their work rather than replace their own intellectual effort. “Be the constructor of information, not just the receiver,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of solving problems, reasoning, and maintaining values such as integrity, gradual growth, and service to humanity.
Using striking examples including a reflection on the biological miracle of human conception, he urged students never to doubt their potential, reminding them that each one of them “won a race of five billion” even before birth.
Registrar urges commitment to integrity and excellence
During the induction exercise, the Registrar of the institution, Dr. Veronica Ika Visemih underscored its significance, noting that it formally grants students access to the university’s academic and administrative resources. She called on the freshmen to commit themselves to academic integrity, obedience, discipline, and excellence, core attributes of the institution.
Dr. Visemih highlighted BUIB’s holistic educational model, which nurtures students physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She drew attention to the university’s state-of-the-art simulation centre, modern complex, and strong partnerships with reputable institutions such as the Yaoundé Teaching Hospital, Soweda, CDC, and the Port Authority. These collaborations, she explained, ensure that students receive both theoretical knowledge and hands-on professional training through internships.
Students speak on their dreams and expectations
Speaking on behalf of the matriculating class, a first-year Bsc Nursing student expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to join an institution that lives up to its motto: “The Audacity to Be Different.” She praised the diversity and relevance of BUIB’s academic programmes, from engineering and technology to health sciences, agriculture, management, and education.
Pledging discipline and commitment, she assured the administration that the new students are determined to become competent professionals capable of impacting society positively.
Other freshmen echoed similar aspirations. Atianjor Otilia, a first-year student, expressed hope for strong academic performance and character development. Meanwhile, Obenson Marvel Tanji from the School of Health Sciences vowed to graduate with excellence and contribute to solving Cameroon’s health challenges.
Looking ahead: A future steered by innovation
Speaking to the press, Prof. Fonkeng revealed that BUIB is advancing towards a hybrid learning system, blending physical and online instruction. The university has already established an artificial intelligence laboratory and hired a dedicated AI team that will soon begin integrating digital learning tools into the curriculum.
Dr. Visemih added that BUIB continues to innovate, acquiring more teaching equipment to enhance practical learning and ensuring that students gain globally competitive skills.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere brimmed with hope and ambition. For the 1,900 new students, this matriculation ceremony marked not just the beginning of a university journey, but the opening of a pathway toward transformation, one defined by academic excellence, technological readiness, and a renewed commitment to humanity.