6th Convocation:

B’da Polytechnic sends out 2300 graduate technicians
By Rabiatou Aliyu and Njodzefe Nestor

Cross section of graduating students

National Polytechnic University Institute on Feb 13, 2016 graduated its 6th Batch of students from the different schools that make up the institution.
    Over 2300 graduates received Higher National Diplomas, HND and Bachelors of Technology in a highly attended ceremony presided at by the Governor of the Northwest Region, Adolph Lele Lafriqe at the Amphitheatre 1000 of the institution.
    What was particular about the graduation was the fact the it was the first after the school received a change of name from National Polytechnic Bamenda to National Polytechnic University Institute approved by the Minister of Higher Education recently.
    The rector of the institution, Dr Emmanuel Asongwe Taboh in his convocation reminded the grandaunts that”graduation in the life of any student is exciting and it officially marks the successful end of studies for any student from any institution. Believe in yourself as you leave NPB. I plead on never to stand on the way of your school mates and to be ambassadors of this institution”. He also presented an encouraging report card of NPB during the 2014/2015 academic year which attracted thunderous applauses from the population.

    Welcoming the guest and graduating students, Micheal Yuh Ayeah the Representative of Management Board of NPB and Officer in charge of Infrastructure and Development thanked the public for trusting the vision of the late founder late Bobe Yong Francis by sending their children to study at NPB
    He also hailed the vice chancellors of the universities of Bamenda, Buea, Dschang and affiliates institutions for supporting the institution at all levels.
    Micheal Yuh also took the opportunity to expose some innovations of the institutions. Amongst other things he cited the construction of an ultra modern administrative building that was inaugurated lately by the Minister of Higher Eudcation Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, an MoU signed with the National Advance School of Public Works in Yaoundé which shall benefit mostly municipal councils wherein respective staff can be drilled on town planning, the tarring of the campus which is ongoing, the building of a solar panel that will solve the problem of constant black outs on campus and residential areas, a swimming pool for the students of the school Maritime Studies to use for practicals and plans to extend most programmes offered by the school to post graduate levels.
    In his academic discourse, the moderator emeritus of the PCC, rev Nyansako Ni Nku  who titled his presentation ”At such a time as this” branded late Bobe Yong as one who had the rare capacity to see the future. He enjoined the graduates to be useful to the society.
    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Bamenda, Prof. Nkuo Theresa epouse Akenji just like the Registrar of the University of Buea Prof Roland Ndip enjoined the graduates to consider their graduation as a beginning and that they should always pursue knowledge with virtue and to be exemplary
    “You must respect the virtues of honesty and integrity and be reminded that this is just a stepping stone and soon you will step into the shoes of the older generation. You will be expected to manage every franc put at your disposal very well to give ensure accurate management” reiterated Prof Akenji.
    In his valedictory address, the best graduating student, Emile Patrick Onana Akoa from the department of banking with a GPA of 3.53, thanked the lecturers, administrative and management staff of NPB for the knowledge instilled in them while promising on behalf the other graduates that they will be ambassadors of the school where ever they go.