By Christopher Ambe Shu
Professor Vincent P K Titanji,(pictured) Vice-Chancellor of University of Buea (UB), is winning the hearts of more and more people because of his leadership style, which has been described as people-oriented and development-focused.
Not long after the Council of the University, during its 23rd session, expressed satisfaction at the Vice-Chancellor’s administration and performance, students and staff of same institution have followed suit.
Presenting New Year wishes to the Vice-Chancellor on March 26, on campus, the students and staff admitted that the university has passed through some rough moments, but happily added that the Titanji-led administration braved the odds to keep the varsity on the right path.
It should be noted that students and workers’ strikes threatened the smooth functioning of the university last year, but the VC demonstrated his leadership qualities, bringing the strikers under control.
On the occasion of Presentation of New Year Wishes to UB Vice- Chancellor, which was massively attended, UB Registrar, Professor Samson N. Abangma, speaking on behalf of the students and Staff, said:
“2009 …was a year when the University of Buea boat was rocked and batted from all fronts by very winds. As a good captain, you (Vice-Chancellor) maintained your calm, realizing that many a successful ship captain know that the route is never throughout peaceful and that the best course of action is not immediately to seek shelter in some safe haven but in engaging the crew to keep the boat on course until the port of anchor is reached.”
He added that ,”Mr. Vice-Chancellor, you qualify to be called Captain Professor Vincent PK Titanji for having led the university of Buea ship in 2009 to the port of anchor for the on-ward journey”
The Registrar said transition in the system of teaching from the Semester-Course-Credit-Honors to the Bachelors-Masters--PhD (BMP) was complete under the leadership of Prof. Titanji. The university, Professor Abangma noted, now has 144 degree programs in the BMP format and 33 PH.D programs. He hailed the VC for encouraging pragmatism in admission of students by “balancing the need to expand access and capacity to cope with the increasing numbers”
In a bid to encourage research activities in UB, funding for research increased and funding schemes expanded, the Registrar said. He noted that in 2009 UB extended its cooperation and signed new agreements with local and international organizations, which enhanced UB’s capacity and expanded opportunities for staff and student exchange.
The Registrar said laudable efforts were made to improve governance,to fight against corruption and promote ethics in the varsity.
“Your policy of maintaining permanent dialogue and consultation with all stakeholders on campus was continued relentlessly”, he told the VC.
In the area of infrastructure, Professor Abangma cited the VC’s achievements, which included: Pedagogic Block II with 600 sitting space; an office block with 50 offices for staff, the UNESCO building.
“We are proud to announce that the Faculty of Health Sciences received new equipment for its laboratories. The giant project for the new Faculty of health Science Complex has been launched “, he said, adding that the project is in advanced state of execution.
The VC was lauded for taking measures that favored students such as paying attention to their plight, regular financial support for their activities, sudsidy for students’ meals at the Varsity restaurant and personal concern about production of students’ individual documents: transcripts, attestaions, ID cards etc.
Non- teaching staff praised the VC for the strides towards ameliorating their working conditions.
“We are witnesses to the fact that within a very short period of time, many demands we had vainly made over the years to erstwhile Administration of this institution have been met”, they noted. They wished that dialogue between them and the Administration “will remain a permanent feature in our relationship”
Concluding his address, Professor Abangma remarked, “The University of Buea is achieving its targets and stands out a shining example of a good university, nationally and Internationally.The University of Buea is an example of a green university; transparency and accountability are hallmarks of its governance”
The Registrar hoped that UB Administration would advance into 2010 with greater optimism, and do the right things.
In his response, an elated Vice-Chancellor Titanji vowed to continue doing his best to keep UB in excellence and in shape in all respects. He urged members of the University community to always be advocates of peace and dialogue, stability, development and academic excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor also used the ceremony to dismiss rumors, sponsored by his detractors that UB registration fees would be increased soon. He insisted that registration fee remains at FCFA 50,000.
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