By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
The University of Buea (UB) has taken a significant step in advancing the protection and promotion of children’s rights in Cameroon through a landmark partnership with UNICEF, culminating in the inauguration of a Child Rights Centre on campus. The initiative, formalized on April 30, 2026, during a ceremony at Amphitheatre 250, marks a new chapter in the role of higher education institutions as drivers of social change.
The event brought together an array of stakeholders, including university authorities, development partners, government representatives, faculty members, students, and primary school pupils. The diverse participation underscored a shared commitment to fostering a society where children’s rights are understood, respected, and actively protected.
Speaking at the ceremony, UNICEF Representative in Cameroon, Nadine Perrault, described the partnership as part of a broader vision initiated in July 2024. According to her, the goal is to transform universities into hubs of innovation and advocacy for children’s welfare. She emphasized that the Child Rights Centre at UB is not merely a physical structure but a platform designed to amplify children’s voices and translate their concerns into meaningful action. “This Centre is a space where children’s voices can be heard, amplified, and transformed into action,” she stated, addressing the pupils present and highlighting the importance of engaging young people directly in issues that affect them.
Perrault further explained that the Centre will serve multiple functions, including research, education, and advocacy. By equipping students with the knowledge and tools needed to champion children’s rights, the initiative seeks to create a new generation of informed advocates capable of influencing policy and societal attitudes.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buea, Professor Ngomo Horace Manga, hailed the occasion as historic, noting that the partnership aligns with the institution’s mission of contributing to national development through education and community engagement. He expressed gratitude to UNICEF for selecting UB as the host institution and pledged the university’s full support to ensure the Centre achieves its intended objectives. “We are committed to building a culture where children’s rights are understood, respected, and protected by all,” he affirmed, adding that the university has already established structures to guarantee the Centre’s effectiveness.
Professor Ngomo also highlighted the high social impact of the project, emphasizing that universities have a crucial role to play in addressing societal challenges such as child abuse and neglect. He noted that by integrating children’s rights into academic programmes and research initiatives, UB is positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to create a safer and more inclusive society.
Central to the implementation of the initiative is Dr. Orok Afor Betek Mary, Coordinator of the UB Child Rights Centre and a lecturer in the Faculty of Education. She pointed out that the Centre comes at a critical time when cases of child abuse and rights violations are on the rise. According to her, the Centre will adopt a proactive approach by introducing academic modules on children’s rights and community engagement, as well as conducting research to better understand and address these challenges. “We have introduced two modules of children’s rights and community engagement in order to combat child abuse in the community and provide solutions,” she explained, adding that educating parents and communities will be a key component of the Centre’s outreach efforts.
The ceremony was further enlivened by performances from pupils of St. Theresa International Bilingual School, who used songs, drama, and drawings to illustrate the realities of child abuse and the importance of safeguarding children’s rights. Their participation added a powerful and emotional dimension to the event, reinforcing the urgency of the cause.
In recognition of his leadership and commitment to the initiative, Professor Ngomo Horace Manga received an honorary award from UNICEF during the ceremony, symbolizing the strong partnership between the two institutions.
Now housed in the ASTI building on campus, the Child Rights Centre is expected to evolve into a dynamic hub for ideas, research, and practical solutions aimed at addressing child protection issues in Cameroon. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the Centre will not only generate impactful research but also influence policy and community practices.
As the University of Buea and UNICEF embark on this collaborative journey, the establishment of the Child Rights Centre stands as a testament to the growing recognition of children’s rights as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. Through education, advocacy, and research, the initiative is poised to make a lasting impact, ensuring that the voices of children are heard and their rights safeguarded across the nation.