Donga Mantung: Nkambe Fon defends Bachelors degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

The academic milestone was achieved during a public defense held on Sunday, July 28. It was in the presence of academics, traditional dignitaries, and local government officials.

The Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Donga Mantung, Basiliken George Magloire Emmanuel, also lived the defense. 

Aside the academic ritual, the successful defense was day of celebration with cultural performances from traditional dance groups such as Mfuh which gave the event significance to the population of Nkambe.  

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of NUIST, Nformi Kwebe, expressed satisfaction with the Fon’s academic performance. He emphasised that the aim of establishing the institution was to reduce the level at which students stressed to school in faraway cities.

"One of the reasons the institute was established was to reduce the rate at which people leave from Nkambe to attend universities far from the town," Kwebe noted.

Local residents also praised the achievement, noting that it is rare to find a traditional ruler who excels in both leadership and academics. This, they said, shows the younger generation that education and tradition can go hand in hand.

"We are very lucky to have a Fon who can lead us both traditionally and intellectually," said one inhabitant. 

HRH Fon Amidu Nji took over the throne of Nkambe in 2022 at the age of 28, when his father joined his ancestors. 

Since then, he has balanced his royal responsibilities with academic pursuits, becoming a symbol of inspiration for many youths in the Division. 

His successful defense is seen as a personal victory but also as a source of pride for the entire Nkambe community and a big progress for traditional leadership in modern times.

By Ndi Mark Kanjo, Journalism student on internship 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3519 of Wednesday July 30, 2025