A new chapter has begun for the Bishop Rogan College Ex-students Association (BIROCOL EXSAN) as Achankeng Collins and the Douala Chapter have taken over to steer the affairs of the prestigious association.
The election was the centrepiece of a productive and spiritually enriching three-day Elective Annual General Meeting held at the alma mater, Bishop Rogan College Minor Seminary in Small Soppo, Buea.
The Douala Chapter triumphed over the Limbe Chapter in a closely contested election, securing 41 votes against Limbe’s 30. The peaceful transition of power marks a significant moment for the association, following the exceptional three-term tenure of outgoing President, Mr. Molute Simon.
The AGM, themed around the college’s motto ‘Servire Sine Fine’ (To Serve Without End), commenced on Friday, December 5, with a working session between the National Executive Committee, branch presidents, and the college Rector, Fr. Joseph Epie Ngome.
The day included a courtesy visit to the Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, evening prayers in the college chapel, and a fellowship barbeque.
The spiritual foundation of the gathering was reinforced on Saturday morning with a Mass, which incorporated a fundraiser for the renovation of the school’s pit toilets—a testament to the association’s ongoing commitment to infrastructural development.
The formal plenary session featured addresses from the Rector and the outgoing president, alongside comprehensive reports on the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, branch activities, and finances.
The 1998 batch of ex-students presented the school with beehives and modern beekeeping equipment. This generous donation officially revived the college’s apiculture club, which the batch itself had founded during their student days. The Rector, Fr. Joseph Epie Ngome, welcomed the gesture, stating: “It is a wonderful initiative… With all the equipment they have generously donated… I am confident that, thanks to the 1998 batch, we will soon be producing honey here at BIROCOL again.”
In his farewell address, the outgoing President, Molute Simon, reflected on a fulfilled tenure, notably steering the association through the successful Diamond Jubilee celebrations. His advice to the incoming team emphasised collective effort: “Leadership of BIROCOL EXSAN is necessarily a collective effort… I therefore call on the victorious team to follow the same path: work as a united team and involve as many ex-students as possible in decision-making.”
The newly-elected President, Achankeng Collins, outlined a forward-looking vision centred on inclusive unity and institutional support. He explicitly addressed the diverse backgrounds of the alumni, affirming: “We know that although BIROCOL comes from a strong Catholic background and doctrine, today our members have gone in different directions — some remain Catholic, some are now of other Christian denominations, and some follow different beliefs altogether. But there is one thing that unites us uniquely as BIROCOL ex-students, and that is the bond and identity we share from our alma mater. We are going to focus on that unity and work to uplift every single member, regardless of where they are or what they believe.”
He further emphasised the new executive’s commitment to the college’s core mission: “We will engage closely with the current administration and work hand-in-hand with the new Rector… We must never forget that this is a minor seminary whose primary mission is the formation and training of priests. We will strongly support the college in fulfilling that vocational mission.”
The Rector, in his earlier remarks, had expressed his hopes for the new leadership, praying for “a leader who possesses the wisdom of Solomon… a heart that truly listens.” He also acknowledged the indispensable role of ex-students, noting their systematic renovation of dormitories but highlighting that “the first and most important is the transformation of hearts.”
The newly installed executive, under President Achankeng Collins, now assumes the mantle of guiding BIROCOL EXSAN, with a clear mandate to strengthen the bonds uniting all alumni and to bolster support for their venerable alma mater’s spiritual and formative mission.
New BIROCOL EXSAN leadership team
Presidential Team
Mr. Achankeng Collins – President
Mr. Leonard Chongong – Vice President
Administration & Governance
Dr. Kaya Thomas – Secretary General
Mr. Geh Chu – Assistant Secretary General
Service & Accountability
Finance & Accountability
Mr. Philip Taniform – Treasurer
Mr. Timti Therence – Financial Secretary
Communication & Outreach
Mr. Fokum Bertrand – Public Relations Officer
Operations & Development
Mr. Teddy Findi. – General Organizing Secretary
Mr. Daniel Eko – General Organizing Secretary
Technical & Strategic Advisors (Advisory Council)
Mr. Tony Tumenta – Advisory Council Member
Barrister Tanifum Julius – Advisory Council Member
Rector Birocol – Advisory Council Member
Mr. Berinyuy Shytum – Advisory Council Member
Mr. Nyong E. – Advisory Council Member
