70th anniversary celebration: Sasse University College announced

By Grace Ongey

St Joseph's College Sasse will soon have a university to beef up existing universities in the country. The announcement was made in the school campus on March 28 as Sasse College commemorated its 70th anniversary.

After a heavy downpour that lasted over an hour, events leading up to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of St Joseph's College Sasse kicked off with a Holy Mass, an hour behind schedule, at the school Chapel. The Bishop of Buea Diocese, Mgr Immanuel Bushu, a SOBAN, presided at the anniversary Mass which fourteen (14) other priests concelebrated.

In his homily, Mgr Bushu reiterated the positive influence Sasse College has had on the education landscape not only in Cameroon but also on the African continent. He laid emphasis on the fact that Sasse is a Christian college which aims at imparting Christian values to students. The Chief Shepherd called on Christians to be holy as God Himself. He added that if God does not permit, we cannot carry out our daily chores, thus the need for Christian to reinforce their reliance on Him.

 Mgr Bushu beseeched Christians to forgive one another's trespasses and to always wear the armor of love. He reminded them of the need to be diligent when performing their duties as it is Christ they are serving. Christians, he continued, must be morally upright, honest, develop a spirit of self denial and sacrifice, master the Church's teachings and do only God's will.

In a typical Sasse style, former students did a special offertory according to their different regions. It was full of colour and originality. The school choir thrilled participants with their melodious singing. Due to poor weather some activities took place in Church at the end of Mass. The National and Sasse School anthems were sung before part two of the day's activities kicked off.

A Buea University don, Dr George Nyamdi, presented a breath-taking academic discourse in which he challenged his audience to rethink their priorities.  He termed the envisaged creation of Sasse University College as the "icing on the cake". To prove his commitment to the project he made an on-the-spot contribution of FCFA100, 000 to enable the project take off.

Speeches from representatives of SOBA-USA, SOBA-UK, and the National President of SOBA, were also delivered on the occasion. Speaking on behalf of SOBA-USA, Dr Evaristus Enongene outlined projects their branch has carried out for Sasse College like the water project and the sick bay under construction. He said a SOBA-USA initiated annual scholarship project is also in the pipeline. He termed "The Harvard of Cameroon", as Sasse ex-students fondly refer to their alma mater, as a leader college with a transformational spirit. Other speakers thanked the Mill Fathers who abandoned the comfort of their countries to come and make Sasse what it is today.

Sasse College, however, is not without problems. After 70 years the school  does not project the image most ex-students would have loved to see. The gate leading into this veteran Catholic College does not reflect the image of a college like Sasse. The road to the school is not only bumpy, but the school's dormitories are still over-crowded, posing serious accommodation challenges. “No reason has been given for suspending the site to house the new dormitory” PTA president Commandant Augustine Njotsa explained.  

Bishop Immanuel Bushu revealed plans to update the science laboratory, assure rigorous and transparent management of the college's resources and relationships as well as making the environment worthy of Sasse College.

Another peak moment, extremely emotional, was a march past of all batches. A 1939 batch student led this phase. Bishop Immanuel Bushu was not left out as he joined his batch for the march past. A typical Bakweri dance titled "Mahlé," which present students performed, crowned the day's other activities. Comedians were also present to spice the day and some current students danced to the rhythm of some artists' music. Activities ended at 5pm after a common meal.

Comments

[Kelong Richard]

I believe the creation of a Sasse University College is a wonderful Idea. I cherish it.

[joseph]

I actually surport the idea of Sasse having a University, it will be a very brilliant idea, after all its main aim has always been to make Average Excellent.

[joseph nkoh]

i like that idea..