By Innocent Fowung
(UK Correspondent)
Across the United Kingdom, alumni associations of Cameroonian secondary schools continue to demonstrate an enduring culture of solidarity, gratitude, and service to their alma maters. Each year, these groups organise conventions and high‑profile fundraising galas that raise thousands of pounds for infrastructure development, welfare initiatives, and educational improvements in their former schools back home in Cameroon.
While some observers view the growing scale of these events as friendly competition among alumni groups, others see them as heartfelt expressions of appreciation for the institutions that shaped their academic journeys, professional paths, and personal values. What remains undeniable is the collective impact these associations are making—not only through financial contributions but also by preserving Cameroonian culture, strengthening diaspora networks, and inspiring younger generations.
Among the most active and well‑organised Cameroonian alumni associations in the UK are the Ex‑Saker Students Association (ExSSA UK), Sasse Old Boys Association UK (SOBA UK), Okoyong Girls Ex‑Students Association UK (OPSA UK), Kumba Government Technical Ex‑Students Association UK (KUGTEXSA), and Saint Francis College Kumba Alumni Association UK (FESA UK), which recently marked a major milestone.
-ExSSA UK leads with infrastructure and welfare projects
Founded on January 29, 1962, by the Cameroon Baptist Mission, Saker Baptist College (SBC) in Limbe is an all‑girls boarding school established to empower Cameroonian women through strong academic, professional, and Christian spiritual training. The institution recently recorded a 100 percent pass rate in both the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations for the 2025 session, reaffirming its status as one of Cameroon’s leading girls’ schools.
In the UK, ExSSA UK is spearheading several major projects at SBC, including the construction of an ultra‑modern refectory, renovation of science laboratories, and a long‑term sanitation maintenance initiative aimed at improving student welfare.
The association is governed by a National Executive Committee supported by regional chapters in London, the North, South, and Midlands. The current central leadership includes President Ms. Mantina Njie Ntuba, President Emeritus Ms. Irene Tamajong, Vice President Mrs. Karen Tarke Eban, Financial Secretary Ms. Hannah Yoti Mofa, and Auditor Dr. Doreen Mbuagbaw McGough.
ExSSA UK will host its next annual convention from May 22 to 24, 2026, at the Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell. The three‑day event will feature a “Sakerettes Only Meet and Greet,” an Annual General Meeting, an excursion, a welcome reception, and a black‑tie fundraising gala, concluding with a praise and worship session and a farewell barbecue.
-OPSA UK promotes sisterhood and girls’ education
OPSA UK, the alumni body for Queen of the Rosary College (QRC) Okoyong in Mamfe, remains one of the most vibrant Cameroonian associations in the UK. Its 2026 convention will take place from May 1 to 3 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Coventry.
The association is led by a committed executive team dedicated to strengthening sisterhood and advancing girls’ education:
– Elizabeth Weledji – President
– Jacqui Bissong – Vice President
– Becky Dioh – Financial Secretary
– Eret Linda – Treasurer
– Yvonne Fussong – Secretary General
The gathering will bring together alumni from across the country to exchange ideas, celebrate their shared heritage, and raise funds for the maintenance and development of QRC. Central to OPSA UK’s mission is the belief that “if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
The convention will also showcase Cameroon’s cultural richness through traditional dances such as Oroko, Bamileke, and Njang. A highlight of the gala night will be a live performance by Cameroonian guest artist, Big Benji Mateke.
-SOBA UK upholds tradition and brotherhood
The Sasse Old Boys Association UK (SOBA UK) continues to uphold its long‑standing tradition of brotherhood through its annual October convention, a flagship event for alumni of Saint Joseph’s College, Sasse.
The association is guided by a strong executive team committed to preserving the school’s legacy and supporting ongoing development projects:
– Obale Ebai – President
– Valery Watat – Vice President
– Pride Achu – Secretary General
– Kenneth Nana – Treasurer
– Bah K. Akong – Financial Secretary
SOBA UK’s three‑day residential convention typically opens on Friday with a lively meet‑and‑greet featuring live performances. Saturday is dedicated to a formal fundraising dinner with red‑carpet entry, followed by an extended night of music and dancing. The convention concludes on Sunday with a relaxed barbecue focused on networking, music, and farewell fellowship.
FESA UK shines at 75th Grand Fundraising and Gala Night
Adding to the growing momentum of Cameroonian alumni activities in the UK, the Saint Francis College Kumba (SFCK) Alumni Association, known as FESA UK—celebrated the college’s 75th anniversary with a vibrant Grand Fundraising and Gala Night last June 7, 2025 at the White Diamond Hall in Coventry.
The weekend brought together alumni from across the UK to reconnect and raise funds for development projects at their alma mater in Cameroon.
The event was led by the FESA UK executive team headed by President Sanjoh Charles, supported by:
– Solange Nkoli – Vice President
– Anette Epienongene – Secretary General
– Martin Ngonga – Treasurer
– Florence Mbah – Financial Secretary
– Wallace Mbome – Social Secretary
A symbolic cutting of the 75th anniversary cake set the tone for a night of generosity, with guests donating toward the renovation of the college kitchen. The atmosphere was filled with nostalgia, unity, and a renewed commitment to supporting current students.
Festivities concluded on Sunday, June 8, with a Holy Mass led by Reverend Father Pontius at St Osburg’s Catholic Church. Followed immediately was a relaxed farewell BBQ that allowed attendees to network, reconnect, and strengthen bonds. FESA UK described the anniversary celebration as a “grand success,” with funds raised set to support key infrastructure improvements at Saint Francis College Kumba.
-A shared commitment beyond celebration
Beyond the glamour and festivity, these conventions serve a deeper purpose. They mobilise resources for development projects, reinforce accountability through structured leadership, and provide platforms for mentorship, networking, and cultural preservation within the Cameroonian diaspora.
As UK‑based Cameroonian alumni associations continue to grow in influence and visibility, their collective efforts underscore a shared commitment: ensuring that the institutions that once shaped them continue to thrive for future generations, regardless of distance.