UB, US embassy celebrate 20 years of fruitful collaboration.

The ceremony was an opportunity for key stakeholders to reflect on the milestone covered by the University of Buea American Corner, UBAC, and 20 years since its launch.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Cooperation, and Relations with the Business World at UB, Prof Kingsley Lyonga Ngange, saluted the strides made by the American government through its embassy in Yaounde, in ensuring access to state-of-the-art knowledge databases and other facilities. He said the facilities have eased the teaching, learning and research process.

Prof Ngange extended the Vice Chancellor’s appreciation to the US Embassy delegation. He said the University of Buea has achieved much through UBAC. He assured them that UB will continue to ensure that the resources are used appropriately. 

The Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, Amanda Claudwell, thanked the University of Buea for respecting the terms of the collaboration. 

She thanked University of Buea Librarian, Prof Rosemary Shafack, for her steadfastness in implementing UBAC's terms of reference. 

Given the Librarian’s commitment and dedication to ensuring that UBAC fulfils its goals, Amanda Claudwell gave her a special recognition.

She urged members of the university community to take advantage of the resources to foster innovation and transformation. 

The event was also characterised by an information session on US Government exchange programmes and a donation of equipment to the UB American Corner. 

Amanda led the American embassy delegation. Other members of the delegation included; Ashley White, Director of the Embassy Branch in Douala; Mabel Chingang, American Center Program Specialist, and Jessica Kontchou, Exchange Program Coordinator. Meanwhile, Deans and Directors of UB also attended the event.

Officials said UBAC serves as a vital resource for students and the community, promoting educational and cultural exchange between the United States and Cameroon. 

They added that it has been an enhancer in the mutual understanding and providing resources related to U.S. education, culture, and opportunities for Cameroonian students.

Visitors to the corner, it was said, also have information on U.S. higher education institutions, including application processes, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities and access to a library with materials on standardized tests (e.g., TOEFL, SAT) and guidance on essay writing and personal statements.

The corner also organizes workshops focusing on successful applications and standardized test preparation. It hosts individual consultations and group presentations to assist students in navigating the college application process.

Recall that Ambassador George Staples inaugurated the American Corner of the University of Buea on 4 June 2004 with two computers. In 2012, the space was expanded with 12 computers and other equipment. 

Twenty years later, UBAC has a fleet of computers, books, and other electronic resources and receives an average of 1,000 persons per month. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3288 of Tuesday November 12, 2024