The Emmanuel Pondi Auditorium of the ICT University transformed into a center of profound relief and celebration on July 31, 2026 during a historic certificate handover and thanksgiving ceremony.
The milestone event officially closed a chapter of academic uncertainty, marking the successful resolution of a long-standing certification and transcript dispute that had previously affected students of the University. Attended by administrators, faculty, graduates, families, and spiritual leaders, the gathering signaled a triumph of dialogue and mutual commitment over administrative division.
The landmark breakthrough was made possible through the timely intervention of the Government of Cameroon alongside sustained bilateral engagement between the leadership of ICT University and its mentor institution, the University of Buea – UB. The President Board of Trustees of the ICT University, Professor Victor Mbarika, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buea, Professor Horace Manga, joined forces to carve out a constructive way forward. Rather than seeking institutional victory, both leaders focused on the shared duty owed to the students whose futures depend on their collaboration.
In an emotional address during the thanksgiving service, Professor Victor Mbarika expressed deep gratitude to the Cameroonian government and university authorities for prioritizing student welfare. Reflecting on his own background shaped by free public secondary education, the founder underscored that constructive dialogue can bridge even the widest gaps without conflict. He reassured the public that ICT University and the University of Buea have established concrete cooperation mechanisms to ensure similar certification delays never happen again, laying the groundwork for a renewed and enduring partnership.
Adding spiritual depth to the occasion, prominent religious figures attended to offer prayers of reconciliation and gratitude, led by guest minister Apostle John Chi alongside Bishop Joseph Agbor and Bishop Josua Ghogomu. In his keynote address, Apostle John Chi congratulated the graduates on their resilience and hard work. Drawing from James 1:17 and Proverbs 22:1, the religious reminded the audience that every achievement is ultimately a gift from God, emphasizing that while academic credentials open employment doors, unyielding integrity and moral character are what keep those doors open.
Apostle John Chi urged the graduating class to embrace five core principles to distinguish their lives in a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence and economic shifts: put God first, pursue excellence over mere success, become solution providers for society’s challenges, commit to lifelong learning, and leverage personal achievement to serve humanity. He challenged the graduates to reject corruption and mediocrity, using their competence and faith to build strong families, communities, and the nation.
For the students, the ceremony represented the fulfillment of long-held promises and the restoration of career momentum. Expressing overwhelming joy after receiving her official degree and transcripts, ICT University alumna Enow Arrey commended the administration for holding true to their word. She noted that holding the official documentation not only validated her years of hard work and sacrifice but also immediately opened up a wide horizon of professional and academic opportunities.
The event also served as a moment of recognition for the support networks behind each graduate. Both academic leadership and guest speakers paid tribute to the parents, guardians, and lecturers whose sacrifices, prayers, and guidance anchored the students through uncertain times. Their shared investment produced tangible results, turning a period of hardship into a collective celebration of patience, faith, and academic achievement.
Ultimately, the handover ceremony stands as a model of institutional maturity, reconciliation, and shared responsibility in Cameroon’s higher education landscape. By replacing past grievances with a sustainable framework built on transparency and joint problem-solving, ICT University and the University of Buea have demonstrated that student success remains the ultimate priority, setting a precedent for peaceful conflict resolution across the academic sector.
