Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda presents pioneer administrative officials

By Florence Ndiyah

 

Pioneer Staff Catholic University of Cameroon, CATUC, Bamenda

The Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda, CATUC, was officially launched on April 10, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Mankon, Bamenda, with the commissioning of pioneer officials.Four priests and three lay people are occupying the following positions:

Vice Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Michael Suh Niba. He is a Priest of Bamenda Archdiocese and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and a Doctorate in Philosophy. Before he was appointed, he was dean of the Philosophy Department in St Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary, Bambui, where he has taught for the last 16 years.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics: Prof. Paul Nkwi: He is a retired civil servant, Anthropologist. He was first appointed in CATUC in February 2009 as coordinator, which led to the creation of the university.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research/Cooperation: Dr. Anthony Ndi. He is a retired civil servant, teacher and principal. He has also worked as registrar and visiting lecturer in many institutions of higher learning. In the past he had taken other challenging projects for the local Church. He was the pioneer Archdiocesan Justice and Peace Commission coordinator and the Archdiocesan Christian Elections Observatory, CEO, coordinator.

Registrar: Rev. Fr. Andrew Nkea. He is a Priest of Buea Diocese and holds a Doctorate in Canon Law. He was previously lecturer of Canon Law, Liturgy and Latin in St. Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary, Bambui, and Lecturer of Canon Law in John Paul II Institute of Theology, Buea.

Director of Finances: Mrs. Mary Njume. She was one time Amity Bank branch manager. She holds an MBA in Banking and Finance from Birmingham University, England, and also a student accountant with ACCA, United Kingdom. She is the only woman in the team.

Dean of Students’ Affairs: Rev. Fr. Jervis Kebei. He is a Priest of Buea Diocese and has a track record in Youth Affairs. He holds a Master’s degree in Theology with specialty in Catechetics and Youth Management. He has served as rector of Soppo Minor Seminary, or Bishop Rogan College, principal of Sasse College and Buea University chaplain.

Director of Development, Plan and Infrastructure: Rev. Fr. Anthony Yilaka. He is a Priest of Kumbo Diocese. He holds a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology and has been Kumbo Bishop’s secretary, rector of St. Aloysius’ Minor Seminary, Kitiwum, Kumbo Catholic Education Secretary and is presently rector of the St. John Mary Vianney Spiritual and Formation Centre, Bafut, Bamenda.

The team has the task of “--- producing well formed people not only capable of meeting the challenges of present day society, but also with a Christian ethical background”(Bishops’ Pastoral letter Bishops on CATUC). They have to build a university whose mission is, “To discover truth and share the knowledge to contribute innovatively to national and global development by training young men and women who fear God.” They have to erect a “City of Wisdom” which will realise its vision of being “--- a world class academic institution for the advancement of knowledge in the Christian light.”

They have what it takes to accomplish their task. What they need most now are the resources. They need Christian faithful’s collaboration through donations to succeed. As His Grace Cornelius Fontem Esua of Bamenda said during the inauguration Mass: “Speaking about the necessity of the Lay Faithful in Africa to be the ‘salt of the earth and the light of the world, and the importance of acquiring a sufficient knowledge of the Christian faith to be able to give a proof of the hope that they bear’ in the market places of ideas, the Fathers of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops said: ‘In this regard, EIA fervently recommended the establishment of Catholic Universities. We thank God that many such institutions have emerged in the last 15 years, and many more are in the pipeline. This is a project of capital importance. It also costs a lot of money. But it is necessary, if we are to invest for a future of well formed Catholic laity, including members of new ecclesial movements, especially intellectuals, ready and able to stand up and witness to the faith in the world of today. This is certainly an area where the universal solidarity of the Church-Family of God is greatly needed.’ (Message, n.22)”

Comments

[ngomi]

the certificates you are going to give to students arethey legally recognised by the government,is the campus already setup,those who have no relatiuve and who have never been to bamenda how are they going to cope

[Julius Che]

only someone with a tribalistic mind and full of grid can ask such a nonsensical question. man, this is an institution of higher learning set-up by the most powerful institution in the world which is the church.

we the catholics of african decent in the netherlands stand solidly behind this brave project and its pioneer team and shall do all it takes to support both spiritually, technically and financially. i for one is willing to offer my services for free for one year at the department of law / international and european law

[Valentine]

I am baffled by your response to such an important question asked by Ngumi. Mr, Che Julius you must never call somebody's question a nonsensical one. Because its of utmost importance for one to understand the issuing authority of a degree and accommodation matters before enrolling into a Higher institution of learning,

[mary]

this is wonderful!
but i wish to know the courses offered, the fees and the conditions required for addmission.

[Vincent Besong]

Bamenda is indeed a sit of wisdom in cameroon.
Ngomi, their certificates are recognised by the government as well as worldwide. Understand that though we doubt the authenticity of some private institutions, institutions like the Catholic Church don't play such cat and mise games. They may not have the student hostles you may need at the momment but I think they will certainly make provisions if you contact them for such services; besides, students in the diaspora have coped with no relatives or friends on the day of their arrival in their new countries; again the Bamenda man is very friendly and welcoming; food and accomodation in this town are very cheap.
From the profiles of this officials, some of whom I have been their student, I think they will deliver the goods. Let us pray and work with them to build this great dream.
Julius, you can apply to volunteer without them calling on you.
Lastly, give out your opinion without insulting others, for it may scare others from contributing fantastic ideas that would have been of great help to the community.

[Melvin]

The vision of the Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda, to be "a world class academic institution" is an admirable dream. However, its affiliation to the University of Buea - which is not among the top 1,000 Universities in the world or even Africa - makes this vision sound like a joke. Can the university not estabish teaching and research partnerships with truly world-class universities?

[Dr Henry N. Tatangang]

The Catholic Church does not need a Priest to head a Catholic University if there is non with the kind of qualification and experience needed. A Catholic laity can do the job. Prof. Paul Nkwi is not being properly used at the position of Deputy Vice Chancelor under someone who does not have his academic level and expreience, in my opinion. Would it not have been wiser and more paying to make Prof Nkwi Vice Chancelor so that the present one receives the nurturing needed to head a university with the kind of vision you are puting forward? Don't you think you need to rethink the leadership of the university? I know some actions are difficult to reverse without causing harm. It needs the kind of humility as "dying to self" that Jesus Christ requires of His followers, for such a change not to cause hurt and harm. I pray!

[KUATCHE TALA FRANCIS]

WHEN WILL YOUR INSTITUTION START OFFERING MASTER IN ACCOUNTANCY I AM KUATCHE TALA FRANCIS BA STUDENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SIANTOU