For the 15th time since its establishment, National Polytechnic University Institute (NPUI) Bamenda celebrated the graduation of over 900 students during the 2023/2024 academic year. On Friday, January 31, 2025, students, faculty, dignitaries, and supporters gathered in the prestigious Amphitheater 1000 of the institute’s main campus in Mile 6 Nkwen for yet another classical ceremony.
A total of 911 students were awarded degrees in various disciplines, including 442 Higher National Diplomas (HND), 19 State Registered Nurses (SRN), four BTS, 420 Bachelor's Degrees, and 26 Master’s Degrees. The occasion marked NPUI’s recovery from years of combined graduations and highlighted the institution’s commitment to high standards in education.
In keeping with the institution’s tradition, the ceremony commenced with prayers and reflections by the school chaplains, emphasizing the core value of moral excellence enshrined in NPUI’s motto. Graduates were encouraged to pray, remain confident in God, and uphold His guidance as they embark on their professional journeys.
In his convocation address, Dr. Christopher Apana Akob, the Vice Chancellor of NPUI reflectef on the institution’s legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the future of Cameroon’s youth. He highlighted the vision of NPUI's founder, Pa Yong Francis, whose dream was to reduce unemployment among young people by providing professional education and skills that would foster job creation and self-reliance. Dr. Akob emphasized that NPUI, since its inception, has continually worked toward realizing this vision, producing thousands of graduates at various levels; from Diplomas to Master’s degrees.
“This year’s convocation ceremony is significant not only because we are graduating 911 students, but also because it marks our return to graduating a single batch after several years of combining batches due to external challenges... We have made tremendous strides, and this is a direct result of the enthusiasm and resilience of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the continued support from our stakeholders.” Dr Apana AKOB said
He also praised the institution’s recent recognitions, including the 2023 award for Best Professional Higher Educational Institution and accolades for nation-building and training job creators. Dr. Akob expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education for their collaboration, noting that NPUI’s strong academic and administrative performance, coupled with its affiliation with the University of Buea, positions it to make a greater impact in the future, including the pursuit of institutional autonomy.
This year's ceremony also included an emotional tribute to the late Pa Yong Francis, NPUI’s visionary founder. The event paid homage to his contributions to the growth of the institution and the larger community. A moment of silence was held in his honor, during which all in attendance reflected on his legacy and the direction NPUI is taking.
Rev. Fr. Tatah Mbuy, an anthropologist and Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Bamenda, delivered the academic discourse on "Armed conflict and the moral obligation of the academia towards peacebuilding."
Drawing from renowned scholars like Cardinal Newman and Prof. Bernard Fonlon, Fr. Mbuy called on the academia to be more independent and proactive in peacebuilding efforts, urging the graduates to use their knowledge to contribute to healing their communities and building peace.
The graduation ceremony also featured inspiring speeches from various key figures, including Yong Afumbom (Yong Francis Junior), who assured the graduating students of the Management Board’s readiness to maintaining high standards at NPUI. He emphasized the importance of continuing the founder's vision and furthering the institution’s growth.
Carine Ijang Ebutah, the best graduating student from the School of Food Science and Hospitality Management, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the management of NPUI for providing a conducive learning environment.
“NPUI has transformed us into top-class professionals, and we are forever grateful for the guidance, support, and opportunities provided,” she said in her valedictory address.
Professor Monono, representing the University of Buea, lauded NPUI for its excellence in academic standards, particularly its rigorous examination processes. He commended NPUI as one of their best-performing affiliate universities and expressed confidence in the quality of its graduates.
The North West Governor, Lele Lafrique Adolph Tchoffo Deben representing the Minister of Higher Education, also praised NPUI’s leadership in private higher education in Cameroon. He expressed hopes that, with continued efforts, NPUI would reach even greater heights by the time of the 16th Convocation, set to take place in the coming year. The Governor hailed NPUI as a pride of the North West Region and celebrated the enduring memory of its founder.
In two separate interviews with the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar, both acknowledged that this academic year had been less turbulent than previous ones, despite the ongoing conflict. They expressed optimism for the future, particularly in terms of expanding postgraduate programs, including Doctorates, and further enhancing enrollment.
The 911 graduates, now ready to face the world, carry with them not only academic degrees but a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility. As they venture into their respective careers, they will undoubtedly contribute to the realisation of Pa Yong Francis's dream of reducing youth unemployment and creating jobs, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s growth and prosperity.
By Bakah Derick
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