By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The University of Buea (UB) has set a strategic course for the new year following the successful conclusion of its 44th Council Meeting, chaired by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Professor Edward ObenAko. The meeting, held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in the university’s Central Administrative Building, centered on key resolutions aimed at bolstering the institution’s financial stability and infrastructural growth.
The Pro-Chancellor in his remark noted that the UB Council had a 13-point agenda and important aspects were discussed such as the examination and adoption of the minutes of the 42nd and 43rd meetings of council as well as the minutes of the finance and general purposes committee.
“The council also examined the matters arising from the various meetings, examined the financial situation of the University which was presented by the Accounting Officer and the Financial Controller, we examined and adopted the 2025 budget of the University of Buea, we equally looked at the Vice Chancellor’s report for the year 2024 so we could see the highs and the lows… we also examined and adopted the infrastructural development plan of the University of Buea and as you know. The document is ready and all what we await is the financing of those who could be able to support the University in that venture”, the Pro Chancellor, Professor Edward ObenAko explained.
2025 budget adopted
A significant highlight of the meeting was the adoption of the 2025 draft budget, totaling FCFA 9.32 billion. This budget allocates FCFA 8.35 billion for current budget expenditure and FCFA 966.55 million for investment budget expenditures. Professor Ako emphasised that the budget was meticulously crafted based on a realistic assessment of student enrollment, ensuring financial sustainability. He noted that previous years’ budgets were sometimes overly ambitious, leading to deficits, but this year’s plan aims to avoid such pitfalls.
“I need to stress here on the fact that this is a very realistic budget which is based on realistic assessment of the number of students who will be enrolled in the university. In the past things were not always done in such a strict manner but it would tend to an over-budget and in the end there was a shortfall. This time around, none of that has been the case. So basically that is what we have done today”, he said.
Infrastructure Development Plan finalised
Additionally, the Council approved UB’s Infrastructure Development Plan, which outlines comprehensive projects scheduled for completion over the next few years. Professor Ako highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure, pointing out that some classes are currently held in unconventional spaces such as open-air amphitheaters and even dining areas due to space constraints. The development plan is set to address these pressing issues, thereby enhancing the learning environment for students.
“Buea like other places has serious problems of infrastructure but to come up with new buildings, studies have to be done. The projects have to get to a certain point of maturation for you to find people who are able to fund.So on the instruction of the Minister of Higher Education, the University of Buea has prepared its infrastructural development plan which was approved by the council today and it will be forwarded to the Minister of Higher Education and to the Prime Minister’s office.”
He said, “There are already envisaged projects and if the funds are available, they could be finalised in one or two years. There are others, on the other hand, which deserve a little more time, that is to say, from the third to the fourth year. So this aspect of the council allows the university to respond to all those who want to help the university.Today we can answer yes to all these questions because we have a document that presents all the projects of the University of Buea for the next 2, 3, 4, 5 years. Once these infrastructures are realised, of course, it will solve the problem of learning and teaching.’
The University also expressed gratitude to the Cameroonian government for its financial and material resources which enables the University to carry out its duties of teaching, research and outreach. This funding underscores the government’s continued commitment to higher education and infrastructure development.
VC and team praised
Council members commended the Vice-Chancellor and his team for their dedication to advancing the university’s mission. Special recognition was given to the Director of Financial Affairs, Accounting Officer, and Financial Controller for their diligent preparation of financial reports, which streamlined discussions during the meeting.
In his closing remarks, Professor Ako urged all stakeholders to remain committed to UB’s mission of delivering quality education, particularly in the STEM discipline, and encouraged efforts to seek alternative funding sources to support the university’s growth.
As UB embarks on this ambitious phase of development, the approved budget and infrastructure projects are expected to significantly improve the university’s capacity to provide quality education and contribute to national development.