Fresh Students take oath.
The 33rd Inaugural Edition of the University of Buea Matriculation Ceremony took place on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at the Professor Dorothy Njeuma Open Amphitheater, bringing together over 12,000 newly admitted students (freshmen) to participate in one of the most important rites of passage rituals of the university. The event that brought together the university’s administration and newly admitted students made the occasion an unforgettable one to the students, who, for some, was their first time setting eyes on the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Directors, and other important administrators who work tirelessly to ensure that students’ stay at the university is both socially and academically fulfilling.
The Vice Chancellor congratulated the newly admitted students, reminding them of their exceptional abilities and urging them to remain responsible and academically focused. He called on all students to optimize the use of digital technologies available in the university to bolster their everyday learning while at the university, and stressed on students’ integration into the university’s culture of upholding positive values of discipline, integrity, and respect.
Having been admitted at the time when the New Law on Higher Education is transforming Cameroon State Universities into “Entrepreneurial Universities” to contribute to the nation’s development, Professor Ngomo Horace Manga (Vice-Chancellor of UB) during his welcome speech, named the FRESHMEN “Batch of Digital Innovators and Transformers”. While citing some of the new programmes that have been introduced to boost their entrepreneurial capacities (such as ICT100, Transport and Logistics, MBA, CPA etc) the Vice-Chancellor prescribed the following key expectations:
– acquisition of 21st century skills (data literacy, critical thinking, creativity, etc)
– adaptability and self-regulation (adapt to new education tools)
– active engagement and
– responsible digital citizenship
The Vice-Chancellor assured them of UB’s commitment to accompany them in their academic journey. “.. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one filled with knowledge, growth and endless possibilities… UB offers you a conducive learning environment for your academic and professional growth…we urge you to study diligently and to take advantage of the learning environment to build your foundational knowledge”.
Speaking as Guest Speaker for the day, Dr. Enga Kameni, currently Head of Banking Legal Services (Intra African Trade and Corporate Finance) at the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK), Cairo, Egypt walked the FRESHMEN through his own experience while in UB and told them.
“Dear Matriculating students.. This is your time…Make it Count”.
Hear him: “You are poised to receive your education from one of the best institutions in Cameroon. You are positioned to transform your lives and those of your families. However, in order to do that you have to grasp this opportunity with both hands and MAKE IT COUNT.
The graduate from Harvard Law School (for MSc) and the University of Pretoria (for PhD) shared his experience while he was in UB (where he graduated as best student in the Department of Law in 2002). To him there are certain values that can help the students succeed, among them:
– deep sense of respect for teachers, students and the academic community
– commitment and discipline to studies
– remarkable performance
– cherish pluralism
– tolerance and broad-mindedness
– collaboration
Dr. Enga Kameni ended his discourse by creating the Prize (on behalf of him and his wife) to be awarded to the best Male and Female students in the Faculty of Laws and Political Science. He said the Prize will be awarded for 10 years.