- Officials use matriculation to reaffirm commitment to excellence
By Neba Jerome Ambe
The National Polytechnic University Institute (NPUI) Bamenda officially ushered in more than 1,000 fresh students into its academic community on Friday, November 28, 2025, during a matriculation ceremony filled with messages of renewed hope, institutional pride, and a strong call to academic commitment. Widely known as “The Citadel of Moral and Academic Excellence,” NPUI used the occasion to reaffirm its mission of training the head, heart, and hands, a philosophy that guides the institution’s holistic approach to education.
Speaking on behalf of the Management Board, Yong Jacque reminded the newcomers that their admission into NPUI was not a coincidence but a purposeful step in their academic journey. He underscored the university’s commitment to producing job creators rather than job seekers, emphasizing that NPUI’s peaceful and conducive learning environment has been intentionally developed to promote both intellectual and moral growth.
Registrar Aduh Francis Ngala highlighted the institution’s long-standing legacy, noting that NPUI stands among the pioneer private higher institutions in Cameroon. With 23 years of service since its founding in 2002, he said the institute has built a strong reputation grounded in competence and experience. “We have built experience over the years,” Aduh said. “We have one of the best libraries, with thousands of hard and soft copy resources, a well-equipped laboratory, strong infrastructure, and, above all, qualified and dedicated staff. These strengths enhance our teaching and learning process.”
He further revealed that the theme guiding NPUI this academic year, “Entrepreneurship for Wealth Creation”, reflects the institution’s evolution into a fourth-generation university where practical hands-on experience complements theoretical knowledge. He disclosed that the institution has opened several training farms and four restaurants, with plans underway to venture into mechanical production.
In her address, the Director of Academic Affairs, Mrs. Gladys Gooh Njamnsi, described matriculation as a solemn academic tradition that formally admits students into the university system.
“This ceremony marks the official entry of every student into a higher institution of learning,” she said. “You are here because you have fulfilled all the requirements of the National Polytechnic University Institute Bamenda.”
For many freshmen, gaining admission into NPUI marks the achievement of a cherished dream.
Amabo Goodwill, a newly enrolled Civil Engineering student, shared his enthusiasm: “Growing up, I always heard my elders speak highly of this school. Now that I am here, I can confirm that the infrastructure and lecturers are excellent. I will study hard to become a great engineer and handle big contracts someday.”
NPUI continues to broaden its academic landscape
Its undergraduate programmes are structured across eight major schools and a Francophone section: School of Agricultural Science and Technology (SAST), School of Business and Legal Studies (SBLS), School of Educational Sciences (SES), School of Engineering Science and Technology (SEST), School of Food Science and Hospitality Management (SFSHM), School of Journalism and Development Communication (SJDC), School of Maritime and Logistics Management (SMLM), School of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (SMBS), Francophone Section (BTS) and the Newest addition: Department of Physiotherapy
This year, the institution recorded a total of 1,044 new students, including 565 in Level 100 (HND/SRN), 447 in Bachelor’s degree programmes, and 17 transfer students.
A highlight of the day was the distribution of brand-new laptops to students who had completed their tuition payments, a move demonstrating NPUI’s commitment to fostering digital literacy.
The newly elected student government was also officially installed, while the university choir delivered inspiring musical performances that added colour to the ceremony.
With its renewed vision and growing student population, NPUI steps into the new academic year with confidence and optimism, strengthening its commitment to producing graduates equipped with knowledge, integrity, and practical skills to excel in the world of work.
