Buea: HOPE University Institute, UB ink strategic agreement.

The partnership seeks to guarantee quality preparation by HOPE University of candidates for examinations leading to the award of national degrees in the specialisations requested by HUI.

It was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Prof Ngomo Horace Manga, who signed the partnership on behalf of UB while the President of HOPE University, Dr Fonya Atabong Claudine, did same for her institution.

It was disclosed that the “…specific agreement relates to the accreditation of HUI, Limbe to run some undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes as follows: One Year Top-Up (BSc) programmes in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy Technology and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree programmes in: Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Midwifery, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy Technology”.

The purpose of the framework agreement, it was said, seeks to promote partnership as well as determine the terms and conditions of collaboration between UB and HUI.

“This framework agreement shall concern the academic supervision of HUI by UB, in accordance with the provisions of Decree No.2001/832/PM of 19 September 2001 to lay down common regulations governing private institutions of higher education. It shall specifically cover the following areas: Supervision by UB of academic activities carried out at HUI with the view to guarantee quality preparation by HUI of candidates for examinations leading to the award of national degrees in the specialisations requested by HUI,” the agreement said.

Founded by Fulbright Scholar Nursing Professor, Fonya Claudine Atabong, HOPE University Institute, is committed to providing access to opportunity and delivery of world class hybrid education and workforce development programmes in healthcare related professions. 

HOPE University aspires to become leaders in healthcare related professional training programmes in Cameroon and neighboring countries by empowering student leaners with hands-on skills lab and simulation experiences. 

Source of the vision

The vision of the HOPE University Institute is credited to the founder, Dr Fonya Claudine Nkeze epse Atabong. 

From childhood she spent most of her time from one clinic to another due to ill health. She aspired to become a doctor to help others feel better and not felt the way she did most of the time. 

She later achieved her dream to become a nurse and progressed to attain her doctorate degree in nursing practice. 

Soon after her terminal degree, she lost her father to healthcare complications in Cameroon, and ever since, Dr Atabong has made efforts to contribute to the healthcare system in her in Cameroon by engaging in various productive and educative life changing opportunities. 

Along with other consultants of like minds, she founded HOPE Higher Institute of Healthcare Professions so she can contribute her wealth of knowledge to Help Others Pursue Excellence in Academics, HOPE, who aspire to become frontline healthcare workers serving their respective communities like herself.

Dr Fonya Claudine Atabong strongly believes in hands on practical, skills laboratory and simulation experiences which enhances students’ knowledge, skills and attributes/attitudes, KSA which specially builds a student’s confidence level in caring for people. 

“We live life ones and a human being’s life irrespective of their health status is not an experiment. So, I strongly believe leaners need an environment to practice and translate theory into practice prior to caring for an actual sick person. The more opportunity students have to train the safer care is given to those in need. In all my years in academia and acute care settings, I believe this is the best exposure healthcare learners can possibly have to build their experience and confidence level to truly help save lives positively and, it is my hope to integrate such world class experience in the education provided at HOPE University,” said Dr Atabong. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3191 of Tuesday August 06, 2024