Freshly graduated CUIB Students (Photo credit: Buea Diocese)
By Andrew Nsoseka
The Catholic University Institute of Buea, CUIB, has commissioned some 317 graduates to use their acquired skills to create jobs and drive change in their communities. The graduating students, throughout their various programmes, have been equipped with professional leadership skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and moral values.
The graduates, who were lauded during the institute’s 11th commencement ceremony, were encouraged to make a positive impact in their communities.
CUIB’s graduating students hail from the 10 Regions of Cameroon as well Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria. Of the 317 graduating students, there are 14 Masters graduands from two Schools; 98 B.Sc. Graduands from four Schools; 52 B.Tech. graduands from six specialties and 153 HND graduands from nine specialties.
The December 13 graduation event started with a Holy Mass, officiated by Bishop Michael Bibi. In his homily during the Commencement Mass, the Bishop expressed gratitude to God and praised the hard work of the students and teachers. He urged the graduates to be bold and confident as they face the challenges of the world. “Do not be scared to face the world and make use of every opportunity that comes your way,” he said.
The President of CUIB, Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Anyanwu, in his speech congratulated the graduating students and cautioned them to handle their new journey with cautiously and to do a lot of observation too. “Being static is not an option; embracing change is the way to go about life as you take on this new journey,” he said.
He described them as all amazing young men and women with moral and spiritual values to promote servant leadership for community and national development. The president called on the graduates to be ready at all times, to learn new things and adapt as the field situation present itself.
The President called the graduates to ensure that they make right choices, regardless of the challenges that life throws at them. “Set your goals, manage your time appropriately, be consistent and focused, and above all, trust in God your creator,” he said.
The keynote speaker, His Royal Majesty Chief Dr. Robert Esuka Endeley, Paramount Ruler of Buea, who is an IT expert, emphasised the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship. He told the graduates that great leaders rely on vision, not sight, and urged them to be confident in themselves and their abilities.
The graduates, who cemented their studies with degrees in various fields, including HND, BTech, BSc, and MBA, were also awarded a minor degree in Catholic studies, mentored by the University of St Thomas Minnesota USA.
Among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony were representatives from REPAFIN, Ecobank, and NFC. They awarded prizes to laureates in recognition of excellence and in support of entrepreneurial education.
As the graduates embark on their new journey, they face a challenging job market in Cameroon. According to the National Institute of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Cameroon is around 4.2 percent, with youth unemployment being a major concern.
However, with the skills and knowledge acquired at CUIB, the graduates are well-equipped to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to the country’s development. From its inception, CUIB has stood out as an entrepreneurial university that, unlike others, trains its students to be solution-oriented. As such, they are equipped to rather solve problems and create jobs.
About CUIB
The Catholic University Institute of Buea, CUIB, is an entrepreneurial university owned by the Diocese of Buea. The university was established in 2010 and has since become a leading institution of higher learning in Cameroon. CUIB offers a range of academic programmes, including business, engineering, health sciences, and humanities. The university is committed to providing students with a holistic education that combines academic excellence with moral values and social responsibility.
