By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
For the first time since its creation in the early 90s, freshmen of the University of Buea have worn robes during the ritual matriculation ceremony. This 32nd batch counting over 9,000 students in eight faculties, took the oath on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Herbert Nganjo-Endeley Amphitheatre.
The event which was the first of its kind for more than three decades saw the freshmen dressed in their convocation robes, a move contrary to what the event has been known for with the freshmen dressed in suits.
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Professor Ngomo Horace Manga in his opening speech enjoined the students to be aware of the venoms in the Molyko neighbourhood and focus on their reason for being there, so as to make their parents proud after the period of their training.
The father of the institution equally called on the over 9000 newly admitted students to shy away from any form of malpractice which will prolong their stay in the institution and ensure they follow up their lectures, putting aside unhealthy competition, extravagant lifestyles and most importantly take advantage of the different services they offer to shape the future they want.
“You should take advantage of the learning facilities such as Library, quality man power and build your own capacity as well as the capacity for extra-circular activity to discover your in-built talents.”
The over 20 minutes speech saw the Vice Chancellor inform the students that everything has been put in place to ensure they receive quality teaching. “We have put in place the necessary mechanisms that will help monitor what happens in your various classrooms in terms of classroom or keeping by your lecturers as well as Course coverage…We will ensure that you live the promise that you made to your parents to come here and study and to become a nation of better citizens tomorrow”, Prof. Ngomo said.
He further charged them with the responsibility of causing the much needed social and economic change the town needs “The University of Buea is in an environment pregnant with a lot of distractions to affect your academic life, but take advantage of these challenges as opportunities to provide solutions. We implore you to create a positive change in the society. Be a forceful economic growth, create jobs, address inequality and promote inclusive economy growth.”
The speech ended with the Vice Chancellor baptizing the 32nd batch of Students into the institution as the batch of “Social and Economic Entrepreneurs”, as a result of the transformation of the curriculum to ensure that students have all entrepreneurial skills fit for the job market, also ensuring they have basic knowledge of business law.
The major highlight of the event was the administration and taking of the matriculation oath performed by the Registrar, Prof. Eneke Bechem, where the freshmen pledged to abide by the rules set by the Institution.
In response, the Vice Chancellor declared them students of the institution for the 2024\2025 academic year, a pronouncement which officially confirmed their enrollment into UB.
The annual event had the presence of an alumni of the institution and a product of the Prestigious department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) who happened to be in first batches of the Bachelor and Masters in Corporate Communications, Behyia Leonard Bruce, who, in the academic discourse, educated the students on how to have a successful and remarkable stay in the institution. The venerated Corporate Communicator, Public Relations Practitioner, one time Journalist at CRTV Douala in his keynote address to freshmen and all those present centered primarily on respect, integrity and submission.
He reminded the students that, “Disability is not inability, you should be able to think out of the box and don’t let the society define you. Don’t let the ideology that there are many lawyers, journalists, or bankers out there limit you, be the journalist, lawyer and whatever you want because you are unique.”
The discourse which was deep, emotional, insightful and well explained saw Behyia tell the students that they are in a place which gave him everything he is today and they shouldn’t undermine what they get from their Lectures ” Let no body tell you anything, the information you get form UB is the best, you can’t compete with who ever in the world. When you go to school and get the right information you shouldn’t be estimated by anything and don’t be afraid of anything.”
He called on them to remember the sacrifices made by their parents and relatives for them to be at UB and ensure they make them proud at the end. “You are the pilot and captain of your life, let nobody fool you, no amount of beers, parties or friends will help you become what you want to be except you decide to be one by your own self. Study hard to make good grades because your family is watching you to see what you will become in future.”
At the end of his discourse, he promised that any student of UB who wishes to travel using the Ethiopian Airway will benefit from a flight discount of 10% upon the submission of his\her UB identification card. This gesture did not exempt the Academic staff who will have a discount of 15% to 20% as the paperwork are on the way to make this a reality soonest.
Note that this year’s matriculation ceremony sought to reawaken the original culture of an Anglo-Saxon matriculation, reason why the Vice Chancellor decided for the students to matriculate in Academic robes.
“The robes are really what you expect of a typical Anglo-Saxon matriculation and it is preferable because it costs FCFA 5000 whereas the suits cost more than that, therefore going for this move was the best decision”, the VC said.
Talking to the Press at the end of the event, Prof. Ngomo emphasised that the induction of the matriculants falls in line with government’s plans to make students ready for the job market. “The new law of 2020 obliges higher institutions of learning to adopt an entrepreneurial approach by preparing the students to be creators of jobs and enterprises and for this to happen, we had to review our curriculum to bring courses like law, ICT and business so it speaks to them about what the society expects from them.”
The event also saw the distribution of over 500 Laptops from the Head of State, President Paul Biya to all departments of the institution as a symbol of encouraging excellence to students who have been outstanding in the previous academic years.
With the matriculation ceremony, the batch of Social and Economic Entrepreneurs are now equipped with the needed information to make their stay in UB and Buea remarkable by creating and shaping the future they want despite their backgrounds and social standings.
Reactions
For Etah Gillian Grace, from the department of Biomedical Science, it is time to get all handouts and be the best. “I have decided to make sure I print out all my handouts and start reading to be on the same lane with my teacher and also, if there are a few successful people out there, I should be one of them through hard work and concentration on my studies.”
According to Mekam Precious from the department of Political Science, she says putting on a robe on her matriculation gives her a sense of progression. “I feel like I am progressing, I am going to do more and get to higher heights so I put it on again during my graduation.”
Founy Bryan in the department of Economics noted that the event will help him stay in Buea differently. “I got a lot of advice from the Vice Chancellor and the speaker which will enable me know what it takes to be successful in Buea, I will ensure I stay by them.”
“For the first time in 30 years, the University of Buea ensured the matriculating students dress in academic robes and this is innovative” newly admitted Brian Modekia from the department of Biochemistry thinks the idea should continue. “I am so happy because I thought we would be in suits. I pray this idea continues because it makes us feel so special, he said.
“It’s an honor wearing this robe today. I knew it will only be during graduation but with this move, I will ensure I wear it after my programme”, Jessica Ngwe, from the department of Banking and Finance voiced.