Yaounde: JAOF Higher Institution of Science inaugurates new magnificent building.

The J&A Oben Foundation’s JAOF Higher Institute of Science, JHIS, on Wednesday January 10, inaugurated a magnificent academic building at its campus at the Entre Kameni neighbourhood in Yaounde.

The building, that has been christened Benedict Mpa Tarh (BMT) Memorial building, was inaugurated during a ceremony which brought together the clergy, officials of J&A Oben Foundation and those of JHIS, students of the institute and children of the late B.M. Tarh, after whom the building was named. 

The event kick-started with a prayer by Rev Fr. Paul Engoulou, Parish Priest of the St Joseph’s Anglophone Parish, Mvog-Ada, Yaounde, who prayed God to shower blessings on JHIS in ensuring the building serves in contributing towards impacting knowledge to students.

In her welcome address, the Coordinator of J&A Oben Foundation, Malaika Doualla, said the building represents JAOF's commitment to growth, progress and excellence. 

“It is not just a building, but a space where ideas can flourish, where innovation and collaboration are encouraged, and where the seeds of success are sown,” she noted. 

In a keynote address on the theme: “Entrepreneurship as a way forward”, Charles Oben, consultant in human capital development, stated that the world is moving towards technological entrepreneurship and it is imperative by all and sundry to embrace technology. 

He also noted that the dynamics as far as jobs are concerned are changing and traditional jobs in the past are shrinking, whereas jobs nowadays can be done remotely.

He thus advised that to squarely fit into the society of today, people must think out of the box and as far as technological innovation and entrepreneurship are concerned.

The new academic block was then blessed by Fr. Zephyrinus Mbuh, who called on the Almighty to watch over the building and JHIS. 

In his address, the President and Co-Founder of J&A Oben Foundation, Prof Julius Oben, disclosed that on July 26, 2023, “by decision No. 23-05554/NHA/MINESUP/DDES/ESUP/SDA/MF of the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, authorisation was granted to the JAOF Higher Institute of Science (JHIS) to provide tertiary Education training in 18 different fields to Cameroonians”.

While disclosing that work started on the building on August 27, 2023, Prof Oben appreciated the first batch of students “who are now an integral part of the history of the J&A Oben Foundation and who witnessed every brick, metal and glass painstakingly put in place by dedicated Cameroonian technicians to make this dream a reality”.

Why BM Tarh Memorial building

Prof Oben disclosed that the building is named afterthe late Benedict Mpa Tarh, “biological father of Darias, Cornelia, Emmanuel, Jane, Jude, Abang, Ojong and of course the most important person in the J&A Oben Foundation, our Founder, Anne Tabe Tarh”. 

“As well as these biological children, Benedict Mpa Tarh had many adopted children amongst whom was my humble self with whom Pa Tarh stayed for most of his last year on earth,” he said. 

Prof Oben described B.M. Tarh as a selfless, modest and pragmatic person. 

“I hope this edifice provides a physical recognition of Benedict Mpa Tarh’s contribution to our lives as well as to Rural and Community Development in Cameroon…,” Prof Oben added.

Specificities of the building

The two-storey building, Prof Oben noted, comprises a Director’s Office, five classrooms, two conference halls, a staff room and five toilets. 

“We created JHIS to make a difference, within the University, in the community, in the eyes of the public, and in history. Out of this very building, we want to produce results that we can be proud of…,” he added. 

On his part, the Director of JHIS, Prof Ibrahim Moungande, said the institution is committed to continuing to provide an outstanding academic education and to promoting excellence among faculty and students. 

“I am convinced that this new teaching block will give a positive impetus to our efforts and help us to reach new heights in terms of research and innovation,” he added.

He disclosed that JHIS has put in place the Brevet de Technicien Supérieur, BTS, Higher National Diploma, HND, and also JAOF Certification (JAOF Cert) programmes.

The children of Benedict Mpa Tarh expressed gratitude for the honour that has been given to their late father.