At send-off ceremony: Minister Mbayu urges Chevening, C’wealth scholars to be worthy ambassadors.

The minister made the statement in Yaounde on Tuesday September 5. 

This was during a send-off ceremony, which took place at the residence of the British High Commissioner to Cameroon.  

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the British High Commissioner, Barry Lowen; the General Manager of Cameroon Telecommunications, CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday Epouse Achidi and members of the alumni.

A total of 13 scholars were selected for the prestigious scholarship program.  Five of them are chosen for the Commonwealth Scholarship, while the remaining eight others are enrolling for the Chevening Scholarship. 

The scholars, who are from varied professions, will each pursue a one-year fully funded Master’s degree program and PhD in diverse fields in Universities across the United Kingdom, UK.  

In his address to the scholars, Minister Felix Mbayu said the gathering was an occasion to celebrate excellence and an enduring friendship between Cameroon and the United Kingdom. 

“The relationship between Cameroon and the UK dates far back. One of the pillars of this relation is education. Education, as one of the pillars, is so important because no country can develop without developing its human resources. We are so pleased that Cameroonians have been found worthy and qualified enough to be selected for such a competitive programme like the Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarship,” Minister Mbayu said. 

The minister said the UK is known for excellence in many fields. He said the scholars will be privileged to study in the best universities in the world. He added that their selection is testimony that the country’s educational system is solid enough to enable them compete with the best in the world.  

Minister Mbayu urged them to be exemplary in character and to take studies seriously. Through this, he stressed, they shall be able to join a club of distinguished alumni like the current Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute.

“When you go, know that you are ambassadors of our educational system. You have to give your best. You have to be seen to have been given a good foundation. But also you have to be exemplary in terms of your behaviour in terms of your conduct, because it is through you that many people will judge Cameroonians. There is never a second chance to change a first impression,” he said. 

“Many of you who have come back have succeeded. Don’t come back with the idea of getting a job in the public service; come back as entrepreneurs, and as employers, because the fields in which you are going to specialise are of the future,” the minister added. 

 Enter British High Commissioner 

Speaking earlier, the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Barry Lowen, disclosed that the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships attract the brightest and the best from around the world.   

He also mentioned that the scholars were building on success. 

“I am really proud of what the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars bring to the UK. I am really proud of what they take back with them to their countries to drive development and change,” Lowen said. 

The Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars, said they are looking forward to impacting society on their return. 

Jones Bahfri Abanda, who is the lone Commonwealth Scholar PhD fellow in International Tax Law, said he is poised to return home where he believes his expertise will be needed. 

“The Commonwealth Scholarship represents a lot to me. I realise that in Cameroon, there are certain areas where we need some expertise. So, I have embarked on getting that knowledge. It will be more useful for me here in Cameroon than out there,” he said. 

According to Tchaptcheut Yonga, a Chevening Fellow who has enrolled for a Master’s in Crisis and Disaster Management, the scholarship will enable her to broaden her scope.  

“Chevening Scholarship represents an opportunity to build my career, specifically in the area of humanitarian work where I have worked for over five years. For me, it is an incredible opportunity to learn in universities where there is practical learning,” Yonga said. 

 About Chevening Scholarship 

Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship and fellowship programme. It is funded by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, FCDO and partner organisations. It offers future leaders around the world the opportunity to gain a Master’s degree at one of the UK’s leading universities and embark on a tailored scholarship experience.