The office of Vice Chancellor is a constant in the university milieu, but holders of the office must change from time to time.
BUST once more witnessed this type of landmark on Monday 13th April 2014, following the stepping down of Prof. Joseph B. Suh who had served the institution in various capacities since 1999, culminating in his accession to the Vice Chancellery in 2010.
Prof. Suh B. Joseph (VC Emeritus)
Representatives of BUST parent body (Industrial and Educational Development Company – INDECO), staff and students at the occasion presented testimonies of the out-going VC's assiduousness, good humour, humility and team spirit. BUST achievements during his tenure of office, which include numerous partnerships with national and foreign universities and organisations and the award of University of Buea degrees to BUST graduates, were attributed to him.
Prof. Suh B. Joseph V.C Emeritus for BUST
In response to the farewell speeches presented, Prof. Suh left the impression that he was retiring but not tired, for he said he will continue to be part and parcel of BUST community, as he was just stepping down from the post of Vice Chancellor. He will be at the disposal of the Faculty and students. He also thanked the whole BUST community for the confidence bestowed on him and the collaboration offered him in the discharge of his functions, calling on all actors to give “more of the same” to his successor in the Vice Chancellery, Prof. Mathew Basung Gwanfobe.
BUST stakeholders hailed in the latter with visible enthusiasm and anticipation of further prospects, and this for many reasons. Prof. Gwanfobe is a household name in Cameroon's academic and higher education landscape, not to mention the acclaim he enjoys on the world historical research arena. A seasoned academic and pedagogue, he has held positions in the national and higher education ministries in Cameroon, including the much-coveted post of Director of ENS Bambili, first of the University of Yaounde 1, then of the University of Bamenda. Furthermore, he is an old hand in BUST from its early years, and has a good mastery of the vision, mission and problems of BUST even from departed founding father, Dr. John Ngu Foncha, with whom he interacted. Last but not least, his vast international experience and acquaintance holds much in store for BUST, as demonstrated by his short period of tenure of office of Second Deputy Chancellor in charge of Research and Co-operation.
Out going VC and Auxiliary Staff
Speaking to the press shortly after taking over, Prof. Gwanfobe said his course would be that of continuity: intensification of partnerships, extensive infrastructure development and assisting needy staff members to higher academic attainment with partners.
Prof. Suh. B. Joseph and students population at Ceremony
The composition of the team at the helm of BUST witnessed slight but significant changes in INDECO's recent appointments. The vacancy created in the office of Second Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research and Co-operation was filled by Dr. Kini Fongot, the multidisciplinary researcher. Prof. Ruby T. Fomunyam maintains her post as First Deputy Chancellor in charge of Academics. The Registrar, Mr. Wanka Fidelis, also remains in his post.
Administrative Staff Members