Y’de University 1 acquires modern cinema hall

By Rachel NtubeNgwese in Yaounde

Vincent Bollore

The cooperation between the Yaoundé University 1 and the Bollore group has produced another fruit. After the introduction of the electronic campus buses a few years ago by the Bollore group to ease the circulation of students within the campus, the university has benefitted more from the cooperation. This time, an icon of a cinema hall directly connected to the canal plus network has been planted in the campus to promote talent and the cultural heritage of the country beyond the boundaries of Cameroon.

                The hall was inaugurated last week by the Prime Minister Philemon Yang amidst other members of government like the minister of higher education Jaque Fame Ndongo, the university rector, staff and invitees.

                From its presentation, the modern cinema hall has giant screens with 300 sitting positions inside and about 5000 outside and with enough space to host other social and cultural activities.

                The efficiency of the hall in promoting socio-cultural activities within the academic milieu lies in the free supply of electricity through the solar panels provided by the Bollore Group. According to Vincent Bollore, CEO of the Bollore Group, presumptions for energy shortages have already well been taken care of. He explained that the hall feeds directly from solar energy through the installation of the energy convertor plant stationed outside to convert and transmit directly solar energy into the hall.

                The solar plant is also capable of reserving unused energy for any eventuality. It is clear from every indication that the cinema area of the university campus will not suffer from the energy crisis that plagues most sectors of the country today since its energy is being tapped directly from the sun.

                Looking at the importance of the hall with its solar energy electrification system, Beatrice NgohNyamssi a second year student of the Faculty Arts explained to The Median that the importance of the gesture goes beyond its initial objective of promoting talent and culture. According to her, it serves as a secure reading ground at night because even when there is black out the place remains electrified.

                The minister of higher education during the opening ceremony appreciated the fruitful relationship between the university and the Bollore group. Prof. Fame Ndongo added that the presence of the hall provides a suitable opportunity especially to the arts students and all others who will want to showcase and sell their talents. He called on all the students to exploit positively the opportunity to the fullest.

                The Bollore group has promised to build three other halls of the same standard in other parts of Yaoundé and Douala.