Cameroon:George Washington University in Partnership with University of Buea

Both to begin Master’s Degree Program in Security & Safety Leadership at UB

By Christopher Ambe

Professor Lemieux (right) hands over partnership document to UB VC Prof  Vincent PK.Titan

The University of Buea (UB) has signed an important partnership agreement with the George Washington University, USA, that will see the introduction of a master’s degree program in Security and Safety Leadership as one of UB’s degree programs.

The master’s degree program, which will begin July this year at the University of Buea, is offered by the College of Professional Studies in George Washington University, in partnership with UB, considered as Cameroon’s most prestigious state-owned varsity.

The first batch of students, it emerged, will total twenty-five (25) and George Washington University will teach eight (8) out of the eleven (11) program courses to be offered, while UB dons will handle three.

“Classes will be taught by experts in homeland security policy, law enforcement cooperation, public safety leadership, emergency management and cyber security”, according to an official document The Recorder obtained. “Courses are offered at the University of Buea (one weeklong; once a month)”.

Completion of the master’s degree could take approximately 16-24 months, it emerged.

The master’s degree (program) in security and safety leadership was launched last April 3 at UB by officials of both universities.

Professor Federic Lemieux, Director of the College of Professional Studies, George Washington University signed the partnership on behalf of GW while Professor Vincent Pk.Titanji,Vice-chancellor of University of Buea,did same for UB.

The signing of the partnership and the launch of the degree program was preceded by a public lecture on “Security and Safety in Changing world: Theories, Best Practices and emerging issues”, given by Professor Federic Lemieux, earlier mentioned.

Cross-section of people who attended the  lecture at UB

Professor Lemieux, in his lecture stressed that, if security and safety concerns are given the needed attention in time, the world will know more peace, which is a prerequisite for development.

Earlier in his welcome speech, UB Vice-chancellor Professor Titanji said the introduction of the master’s degree program on security and safety leadership was necessary and timely. He noted that since the introduction of university reforms in Cameroon several years ago, much emphasis was now being laid professionalism

Before Professor Lemieux’s public lecture, Mrs. Joan Wacka, Head of e-Learning and Computerization at UB, gave a foreword on security and safety in Cameroon. She disclosed that Cameroon is ranked 9^th in cyber criminality in the world and 3^rd in Africa.

It is hoped that security and judicial officials and companies would particularly take advantage of the course, so to gain adequate knowledge on Security and safety matters.

The ceremony was attended among others by Legal and judicial authorities, security chiefs, University dons and journalists

For more information about the program please contact: Tel +237 77 16 07 29 (Mr.Bapooh Lipot) or +237 33 32 21 34(Dr.Lyonga)