By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The University of Buea (UB), Cameroon’s leading Anglo-Saxon institution of higher learning, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, officially welcomed 12,427 freshmen into its academic community during a vibrant matriculation ceremony held at the Herbert Nganjo Endeley Amphitheatre.
The matriculation marked the formal induction of the 33rd Batch of students, comprising 7,900 girls and 4,927 boys, who took the traditional oath committing to uphold the institution’s rules, embrace academic integrity, and embody the values expected of a UB student.
Presiding over the ceremony, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga delivered a powerful and inspiring message that blended celebration, caution, and vision. He emphasised that matriculation is not merely a formality but a profound moment symbolising the start of an academic, social, and moral transformation for every new student.
Youare the Batch of Digital Innovators and Transformers
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor welcomed the students with enthusiasm, reminding them that a UB education is both a privilege and a responsibility. He stressed that their admission followed a highly competitive selection process, given UB’s growing reputation and limited capacity. “Not all who applied are here. You must be proud of your achievement,” he said .
Prof. Manga announced that he was baptizing the 33rd Batch as the “Batch of Digital Innovators and Transformers,” reflecting the university’s alignment with recent reforms in higher education. He highlighted President Paul Biya’s promulgation of the new Higher Education Orientation Law in 2023, which transforms Cameroonian universities into entrepreneurial institutions and prioritizes digitalization across campuses.
He explained that with the establishment of digital centers and the National Higher Education Network, universities are now required to embrace ICT-driven teaching and learning methods. “A lecturer may teach in Yaoundé, and you can follow the lecture live here in Buea,” he noted. He urged students to harness digital tools, develop 21st-century skills such as data literacy and critical thinking, and become responsible digital citizens capable of contributing to national development.
A call for discipline, integrity, and respect
Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga also addressed disciplinary concerns with his characteristic candor and humor. He warned against vices such as cheating in continuous assessments, misusing school fees, and disrespecting university regulations. The university, he revealed, has plans to install cameras in classrooms to curb academic dishonesty. “When you cheat, don’t think only God sees, you will be seen,” he cautioned, provoking laughter from the amphitheater audience.
He also reminded students of the sacrifices made by their parents in securing their education. “It takes a lot of energy for your parents to assemble the funds to keep you here,” he said, urging them to study hard and honour the efforts invested in their future.
The Vice Chancellor further emphasised values of tolerance, religious harmony, and respect for diversity necessities in both academia and nation-building. He applauded the clergy and the Imam present for their continuous support and called on students to exhibit maturity and cultural sensitivity in their daily conduct.
Guest Speaker inspires with story from Mamfe to Harvard
The ceremony also featured an impactful speech from Guest Speaker Dr. Enga Kameni, a distinguished alumnus of UB who rose from humble beginnings in Mamfe to become a graduate of Harvard Law School, an international legal expert, and currently a director at the African Export–Import Bank.
Calling on students to “make it count,” Dr. Kameni underscored the transformative power of education, discipline, and global-mindedness. He shared personal experiences of overcoming limited opportunities and building a career across several countries including South Africa, France, Namibia, and England. “Education opened doors I could never have imagined. The world became my oyster,” he said. He outlined key values that shape successful students; respect, discipline, commitment, pluralism, and collaboration and encouraged matriculants to defend their goals fiercely while embracing teamwork. “If you want to go far, you work together,” he reminded them.
In a symbolic gesture of gratitude to UB, Dr. Kameni announced the launch of a 10-year prize programme for the best male and female graduating law students, an initiative inspired by the awards he received as a student. The prizes, he said, aim to motivate students by proving that excellence is always within reach regardless of background.
Celebrating Alumni success and charting the future
In his closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor expressed admiration for Dr. Kameni’s academic and professional achievements, noting that his trajectory is a “testament to the quality of graduates produced by UB.” He encouraged new students to take inspiration from his example and cultivate the discipline and academic excellence needed to reach similar heights.
The VC also thanked the ceremony organizers, academic staff, security personnel, and religious leaders who contributed to the success of the event. He reiterated UB’s commitment to fostering a safe, ecumenical, and intellectually stimulating environment.
UB remains resilient amid crises and challenges
Speaking to the press shortly after the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor noted that despite political and regional challenges, UB continues to operate smoothly. The university has adapted effectively to disruptions, particularly those related to the Anglophone crisis, and remains committed to providing quality education.
On fee payment mechanisms, he acknowledged past challenges with electronic payment partners and outlined new measures to ensure transparency and avoid fraud. He also highlighted UB’s recent academic expansions, growing international visibility, and strong reputation among global institutions such as the University of Kentucky.
A new chapter begins
As the ceremony ended, the 12,427 matriculants left the amphitheater energized, inspired, and fully aware of the expectations placed upon them. Their journey at the University of Buea, “the place to be” has officially begun, with the promise of knowledge, discipline, innovation, and transformation guiding their path.
With the Vice Chancellor’s charge to become “ambassadors of the university and future digital innovators,” the new batch steps into UB’s academic community ready to shape the future of Cameroon and beyond.