ICT University VC gets global recognition.

The Pan-African body, which is dedicated to fostering the adoption of best practices in competitive intelligence throughout Africa, disclosed the development Thursday.

The organisation, made up of renowned intellectuals from parts of the continent and beyond, said Prof Emmanuel Pondi was being acknowledged “As a Cameroonian intellectual whose influence extends far beyond the borders of his country”.

The group, headed by Dr Guy Gweth, said Prof Pondi’s pioneering ideas, dedication to Africa’s competiveness and enlightened patriotism, have ignited entire generations. 

The organisation stated that “Through his writings, and teachings” Prof Pondi “has significantly shaped the intellectual landscape of Cameroon and Africa”.

Meanwhile, in a brief message addressed to staff of the ICT University, the Founder and President of the Board of Trustees of the leading institution, United States-based Prof Victor Mbarika, celebrated Prof Pondi for the feat.

Prof Mbarika, in the message, seen by The Guardian Post, described Prof Pondi as an iconic global scholar, great teacher and a leading beacon among his peers. 

While throwing flowers on Prof Pondi, the ICT University founder said the academic colossus is a master strategist, mentor and role model.

He wrote: “In my capacity as President of the ICT University, it is my honor to congratulate our distinguished Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jean Emmanuel Pondi, for receiving the award of ‘Most lnspiring Cameroonian lntellectual of his Generation’”. 

“This award comes from The African Centre for Competitive Intelligence. There are Vice-Chancellors all around the world. We are proud that ours is not just an ordinary Vice-Chancellor but a distinguished Vice-Chancellor who the world recognises. Congratulations once again to our distinguished Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jean Emmanuel Pondi,” he added.

Award symbol of dedication, commitment 

Prof Jean Emmanuel Pondi has been a frontline academic-achiever in Cameroon, Africa and beyond.

He has contributed significantly to national development in terms of policy-research and consultancy, having consulted for numerous governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Besides being a mentor to many, Prof Pondi stands out as a typical Cameroonian indigenous scholar, who is both globally competitive and locally relevant.

The widely travelled and well-read Prof Jean-Emmanuel Pondi is a specialist in political science and international relations. 

He is the former Director of the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, IRIC. He was once the Vice Rector of the University of Yaounde I; in charge of Research, Cooperation and Relations with the Business World.

He rose to that position after serving as Secretary General of the same university. 

Prof Pondi is a graduate of Cambridge University (Pembroke college, 1983) and the London School of Economics (1981).

He holds a PhD from the Pennsylvania State University (1986). 

He is the author or editor of 22 books and 70 scientific articles, published in renowned journals such as The Cambridge Review and the Cameroon Review of international studies. 

He has a long experience in teaching international relations in general, and African international relations in particular. 

Prof Pondi has been a visiting fellow/visiting professor in several African, European, American and Asian Universities, including, among others, the University of Nairobi, the University of Cambridge, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, SAIS in Washington, DC, and the Chinese Diplomatic Institute in Beijing.

In addition, Prof Pondi is the Dean of the College of Social Sciences of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences. He is currently serving as Vice Chancellor of ICT University Cameroon.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3187 of Friday August 02, 2024