Buea University:

New VC maintains ban on students’ politics

By Boris Esono in Buea

New VC maintains ban on students’ politics

Students’ unionism will not be rekindled in the University of Buea, at least not in the very near future. This was what emerged from a meeting Wednesday, 9 August 2017, between students’ representatives and the new Vice Chancellor of UB, Prof. Horace Ngomo Manga.

                Advancing reasons for maintaining the ban on student politics on campus, Ngomo noted that ever since its creation, the UB students’ union, UBSU, has created more problems for both the students and the University than it has solved. He said if UB is seen today by the wider world as a hot bed for recurrent violent and at times, deadly strikes, it is all because of UBSU.

                "I understand your plea for UBSU to be reinstated on campus, but I hasten to say I would not heed your request now because if granted you will still end up mismanaging it," the VC said, promising to review his stance if the students changed their ways and demonstrate a new spirit of maturity and good behavior in future.

                Prof. Ngomo however told the students’ leaders that students’ unionism will continue on campus but not in the old UBSU model. He noted that UB is not the only University without a students’ union.

                "UB is not the only state university without a student union; Douala and Dschang Universities also do not have students’ unions," Ngomo noted.

                The VC used the forum to also urge students not to make UB their permanent home by intentionally refusing to graduate once they are admitted. 

                "The University belongs to the government and not to students; it is created by government so that students can come in and acquire education. And the students re expected to graduate in due time so as to create space for others to also come in and benefit. But it is bad when some of you decide to make the university your permanent abode where you come in and refuse to go," Prof. Ngomo said.

                The VC further called on students to steer clear of activities that make the university environment incommodious for studies.

On the issue of taxis on campus, the VC said the university is making arrangements to provide a competent transport service on cam pus.

                On multiple payments for correction of errors on transcripts, Prof. Ngomo the situation will be looked into and reviewed if need be. But he assured that measures will be put in place to make sure that students do not pay twice for corrections on their transcripts.

                On payment of charges to access results, Ngomo reminded the students that “now is the modern age when almost everything is computerized, and UB cannot afford to be left behind.….UB has simply joined the trend of modernization from paper to online, and the university should be praised for this. True, there are challenges on the online portal, but the situation will be looked into.”

                At the end of the meeting, students were urged to table their various grievances through their student leaders and the issues will all be examined and mutually beneficial solutions sought.