By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) once again reaffirmed its position as one of Cameroon’s leading private higher institutions as it held its 25th graduation ceremony on Friday, November 7, 2025, at its main campus in Buea. The event, which celebrated the academic achievements of 1,437 students from the Schools of Health Sciences, Management Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Agricultural Sciences, and Education, was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Professor Ngomo Horace Manga, representative of the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education (MINESUP), Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo.
The ceremony, attended by government officials, parents, alumni, industry partners, and dignitaries from across the nation, marked a major milestone in BUIB’s journey of “academic excellence, innovation, and service to humanity.” Themed “Overcoming the Challenges of the World of Work after Graduation,” the occasion served as both a celebration and a call to action for graduates to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“The audacity to be different” — Dr. Francisca Biaka inspires graduates
In her heartfelt address, the Vice Chancellor of BUIB, Dr. Francisca Hongla Biaka, expressed gratitude to God and all stakeholders for their continuous support in shaping the institution into a hub of excellence and transformation. “Today, we celebrate achievement, resilience, and transformation, the very essence of education as a force for change,” she said. She emphasised that the graduating batch was the largest since the institution’s creation and reflected BUIB’s steady growth and commitment to excellence.
Highlighting the university’s notable progress, Dr. Biaka cited the success of the School of Health Sciences, whose student emerged as the national overall best in nursing at the 2025 HND examinations, and the School of Engineering and Technology, which produced its first batch of BTEC graduates. The establishment of advanced laboratories, including an Internet of Things Lab and a Computer Network Center, she added, demonstrates BUIB’s pursuit of digital transformation and applied sciences.
The Vice Chancellor also lauded the institution’s growing collaborations, such as with the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) to promote sustainable agriculture and with Yaoundé hospitals to enhance clinical training. She further announced that the Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation will sponsor the best student start-up projects from each school with funding and mentorship to foster youth entrepreneurship.
Keynote speaker urges graduates to lead with integrity and humility
The keynote address, delivered by renowned motivational speaker, Naomi Etombi Moussa, was a moving reflection on discipline, character, and purpose. She charged the graduates to let humility and integrity guide their professional paths. “In a world that celebrates pride over principle, I challenge you to be different. Be humble, be teachable,” she advised. She also cautioned against social vices such as drug abuse and moral decadence, stressing that “a brilliant mind without a moral compass is dangerous.”
Etombi Moussa further encouraged the graduates to pursue ethical leadership and responsible innovation, reminding them that “the world is waiting for your courage, creativity, and compassion, dare to be different”, she pressed.
Valedictorian calls for resilience and purpose
Speaking on behalf of the Class of 2025, Molinge Ewelisane Nadian, who graduated overall best in Pharmaceutical Studies with a GPA of 3.97, expressed gratitude to God, the BUIB faculty, and her peers. “We have learned that strength does not come from ease. It grows in the moments that break us open,” she reflected.
She lauded the lecturers for their mentorship and moral guidance, describing BUIB as “the bedrock of professionalism and discipline.” She encouraged her peers to embrace failure as part of growth, emphasising that “success is not a straight path, it is forged in perseverance and purpose.”
Minister commends BUIB’s innovation and discipline
Representing the Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga commended BUIB for its high standards, discipline, and professionalism, describing it as a “model of mentorship and collaboration” among private universities.
He applauded the institution’s integration of technology, particularly the use of AI-assisted medical imaging systems at the Biaka Teaching Hospital, aligning with government efforts to promote digital transformation in higher education. The minister’s message also acknowledged Dr. Francisca Biaka’s national recognition from the President of the Republic, calling her “a symbol of visionary leadership and resilience.”
“The government remains committed to supporting both public and private universities through ICT infrastructure, excellence grants, and public-private partnerships,” he reaffirmed.
Looking ahead
As BUIB marked its 25th graduation ceremony, the event showcased more than just academic achievement, it underscored a legacy of service, innovation, and humanity. From community health campaigns and research breakthroughs to youth empowerment initiatives, the university continues to prove that education at BUIB is not merely about obtaining a degree, but about shaping responsible leaders.
The 2025 graduation ceremony ended on a note of optimism, with graduates taking the Oath of Professionalism, pledging to uphold BUIB’s values of integrity, compassion, and service.
As Dr. Biaka concluded in her final words, “Let your knowledge be a light in dark places, your creativity a solution to challenges, and your integrity a standard for others to follow. The audacity to be different remains our guiding light.”