By DOH JAMES SONKEY
The Nkolondom Higher Institute of Medical Technology in the nation’s capital better known by its French acronym as ISTM has graduated its 6th Batch of Medical Doctors (125), 6th Batch of Masters in Clinical Biology (23) and 5th Batch of Masters in Public Health (9). Chairing the official graduation ceremony last March 4, 2020 at the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex, the Minister of State for Higher Education and Chancellor of Academic Orders, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo tasked the new graduates to overcome all odds and safe human lives in the discharge of their duties in the field.
Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo, other officials
Tasking them to go and serve the nation with devotion and patriotism, the Minister of State advised that “this day opens new heavens and opportunity for you. Put all your strength, availability etc at the service of human lives. Be true Ambassadors of the higher education system and your teachers who trained you.”
In his welcome note, the President of the School Board and Promoter of the Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Jean Marie Thomas Ningouloubel expressed gratitude to the government for authorising them to train health professionals and for supervising their training programmes as well.
He thanked the President of the Republic, Paul Biya for authorising private higher institutions of learning to also contribute in the training of health professionals in Cameroon.
After requesting for a minute of silence in memory of students who passed away during their training, the promoter also thanked the population for accompanying ISTM in the training of health professionals for the past 15 years under the academic supervision of the University of Douala.
Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo in his speech congratulated the promoter of ISTM, Jean Marie Thomas Ningouloubel and his team for their managerial and academic skills since the school went operational in 2007.
On her part, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Health reassured that their ministry will make good use of the graduates to improve the quality of health services offered to the population nationwide.
“Be of moral rectitude wherever you will be called upon to serve and know that Cameroon counts on you to offer quality health services to the population.” The MINSANTE SG told the graduates.
Placed under the auspices of the Minister of State for Higher Education, the award of diplomas to the laureates was attended among others by a representative of the Minister of Public Health (the SG), the Rector of the University of Douala, Prof Magloire Ondoa, the Governor of the Centre Region – Naseri Paul Bea, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education – Prof Wilfred Gabsa etc.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, their representative said that as a health family, they will work as a team to improve the health of the population in Cameroon.