The University of Bamenda, UBa , sends out 5327 into the job market.

The convocation ceremony of Saturday December 8th, held under the patronage of higher education minister and chancellor of academic orders, who was represented by NW Governor Adolf Lele L’Afrique.
The occasion  pulled a little over 5,000 attendees who braved the security odds in the Bambili community, on a day that also saw the neutralisation of some 3 members of the separatist group of the Ambazonia Republic, by  Cameroon military forces.

In her convocation speech, the vice chancellor of the institution, Prof. Theresia Nkuo Akenji, appreciated the commitment and selflessness of her administrative and academic staff, towards the success of the students and the institution. She applauded the resilience of the graduands, in the tough schooling atmosphere, to have gone through the academic year. While paying tributes to staff and students affected during the school year, and those who died in cause of the crisis in the region.
NW Governor, representative of the minister of higher education, called on the young professionals, to remain true to virtues of national interest like patriotism, Peace, and love for service. He warned them against the bad attitude of civil servants who abandon duty, especially in rural areas, for urban cities in search of greener pastures.

Guest speaker at the 8th Convocation, Prof. Kashim Ibrahim Talla, professor in Liberal Arts and  is an African folklore writer. In his motivational keynote address, he pointed out morality and honesty as indispensable aspects in any professional career and called on the student to emulate examples of trustworthy academicians like the venerated Prof. Fonlon N. of blessed memory.

The academic citadel, UBa, created in 2010, has fast risen to one of the best rooted state higher institutions, with 12 full functional establishments. The 8th convocation also saw the graduation of the first batch of medical doctors from the faculty of health Sciences, while the first batch of students from the faculty of Arts as well was graduated.

Distinguished graduating students in academic performances, backed home financial assistance from 25 to 300.000 FRS each for exceptional results in their various domains. The prizes, all donated by political elites as well as the university family. One of such notable prizes is that of Senator Regina Mundi, of 200.000 frs, for a female student in leadership role.
The best graduating student, of the university for 2018/19 graduating batch, kinyuy Tatiana Ngalim from the faculty medical laboratory sciences , scored a GPA of 3.75 on a scale of 4.

Talking to the students after the ceremony, they were happy for haven taken the challenge in the academic strive, but think more opportunities for youths out of school could help in bringing their efforts to fruition.

Cameroonian universities over the years, have graduated more students than the available jobs in the national market. Fears continue to be cast on how to tackle unemployment amongst graduated youths in the country.