SOBA Cameroon. Prof Ngwafor promises to drive new changes during installation
Prof Ephraim Ngwafor, new SOBA General President has called on parents, school administrators and friends of Sasse college to ignore internet posting claiming the association is divided. He described the buzz his elections created on social media as “an opportunity for all of us to get better. We will certainly fall, but we will not stay on the ground,” he added.
Prof Ngwafor was speaking at the campus on September 14th 2013 during the installation of the new Exco following the August 10 2013 elections to replace the one led by Prof George Dopgima Nyamndi.
- Power Changes hands. Prof Ngwafor (left) takes over from Prof Nyamndi
In his acceptance speech, Prof Ngwafor said his executive will contribute to make Sasse College great and ensure that students who graduate from the college during his tenure will become proud members of the Cameroonian society. He again repeated the pledge he made following his elections that he will get a state of the art website for the association that could help unite SOBANS around the world and help introduce some changes in the college that will improve the student experience for present and futures students. “Let SOBANS continue to have confidence in each other and get themselves roped to their respective chapters across the world” He noted. He again called for Unity in the SOBAN family around the world.
He made these pledges in the presence of college Principal , Rev.Fr Peter Nouck , the President of the Parents, Teachers Association, (PTA) Raphael Tchomnou Ngantchop, the Buea Diocesan Catholic Education Secretary, Rev. Fr Alexander Sob, some SOBANS and dozens of students.
The Buea Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev.Fr Sob praised the last executive led by Prof Nyamndi for their exceptional service to the college and alma mater during their time in office and called on the new Exco to follow their example.
The College Principal, Rev.Fr Peter Nouck said he hoped the new Exco helps the school authorities increase school accommodation so that the college could admit more students to meet demand from parents .
“Everybody wants their child to come to Sasse College, but we do not have space to take all of them. If that is done, we will give opportunities for more kids to have the great experience out here,” Rev Nouck said.
Raphael Ngantchop PTA Chair of Sasse College since 2010 on his part said the school will improve standards only if SOBA, the school authorities and the PTA work together as complimentary partners.
The school proprietor and Buea Diocese Bishop Mgr. Immanuel Bushu said he had complete confidence in the new Exco and hoped they help in bringing the changes the college needs now.
Mgr. Bushu reminded the new Exco they had a delicate assignment which included working with all SOBAN chapters across the world. He said there were plans to improve the road network into the college and some of the college infrastructure which now needed to be modernized.
“The dormitories have to be refurbished and the essence to permanently keep the campus clean. If these are done, we will continuously make the college the pacesetter,” the Prelate said.
For once, Iroko Africa had a chance to speak to some present students of the college. Njimeli Tchamoute and Ekiti Elage Nkumbe both form One students said they chose the school because it was well situated to help them study without distractions. They were also attracted by the good results the college always obtained at the Ordinary and Advanced levels GCE.
Cletus Abaga, a form four student of the college said he hopes to be a medical doctor after his studies in Sasse. He also praised the quality of food they ate in college. If Abaga eventually achieves his dreams, he will join thousands of former students of the college who are today successful professionals in their chosen careers and now scattered around the globe.
Sasse college was established by Mill Hill missionaries in 1939 and is the oldest secondary school in Cameroon. The college will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year.
