ICT University, University of Buea Reconcile After Eight-Year Certificate Dispute
BUEA, Cameroon (CNA) — The ICT University and the University of Buea have officially reconciled after years of tensions over the issuance of certificates to ICT University graduates, with the breakthrough announced this week by ICT University Founder and President, Professor Victor Mbarika.
Speaking to CNA, Prof. Mbarika said the reconciliation followed the intervention of the Cameroonian government and the cooperation between the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buea and the leadership of ICT University.
“Thanks to the intervention of the government, as well as the great cooperation between the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buea and the President of ICT University, the issue has been resolved for now and for the future,” he said.
The dispute began when Prof. Mbarika publicly criticized the University of Buea, accusing it of demanding additional payments to cover certificate-related expenses. His remarks, in which he sharply criticized the mentor institution, quickly became one of the most talked-about issues in Cameroon’s higher education sector.
For many years, many ICT University graduates were unable to obtain their certificates, which were to be issued through the University of Buea under the institutions’ partnership arrangement.
The government later intervened in the dispute, stating that Prof. Mbarika’s public outburst was inappropriate while working to facilitate dialogue between the two institutions.
Describing the reconciliation as a victory for students, Prof. Mbarika said, “It is something great for the benefit of our children, who are the future. People should know this is not a one-time thing.”
As part of activities marking the reconciliation and expressing gratitude, ICT University invited Apostle John Chi to lead a thanksgiving service, pray for students, and pronounce blessings over the future of both institutions.
The reconciliation is expected to restore cooperation between the two universities and pave the way for smoother academic collaboration and the processing of outstanding certificates for affected graduates.
