Mudeka-Tiko: St. Mary’s International College gets Cambridge Int’l Education backing
By Eyongeta Eyong
St. Mary’s International College has officially been accredited as a Cambridge International School (CM017)! This prestigious recognition places the college among the world’s top schools, providing its students with a globally respected Cambridge curriculum—including IGCSE, AS & A Levels, and Lower Secondary Checkpoint. With this, St. Mary’s International College reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence, global competitiveness, and innovation.
Placing a Cambridge International Education plaque in a school signifies that the institution is a registered Cambridge school, offering high-quality international education programs and qualifications. This plaque is more than just a symbol; it represents the school’s commitment to providing students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world.
The unveiling ceremony of the Cambridge International Education plaque at St. Mary’s International College Mudeka, Tiko took place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the school campus.
The ceremony, enriched with speeches and a tour of St. Mary’s International College (SMIC), was attended by notable figures including the Minister of Secondary Education, Professor Nalova Lyonga; British High Commissioner to Cameroon, HE Matt Woods; the founder of SMIC, Mr. Paul Atang; and various local dignitaries.
In his welcome speech, Mr. Paul Atang thanked the pioneer students for choosing SMIC and expressed gratitude to the British High Commissioner for facilitating visas for students to attend a summer camp in Britain. He praised the Minister of Secondary Education for her support towards the institution’s growth, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between Cameroon and the UK.
H.E. Matt Woods spoke to the press, stating, “It’s amazing to be here first of all. My congratulations very much to the founder just here for his vision and for his commitment and dedication to education in Cameroon. It’s wonderful to be here with the Minister of Secondary Education. She’s done so much for education in Cameroon. The partnerships between Cameroon and the UK, between the Cameroon system and the Cambridge accreditation system, are vital. This initiative brings people together from Cameroon and the UK, enriching our students.”
Professor Nalova Lyonga also addressed the press, commending the management of St. Mary’s International College for investing in education and for grooming future leaders. She stated, “We’re very happy that the founder has sought the highest standards… Digitalization is key to enhancing education in Cameroon. St. Mary’s will have to do that, and we will keep a keen eye on what’s being done with digitalization.”
Mr. Atang highlighted the impact of the partnership with Cambridge International School, mentioning that teachers had to be certified, which improved the teaching and learning environment. He noted, “Before the unveiling, it had started impacting the teaching and the learning of our students here… This is going to improve and give exposure to the school and prestige to the students and parents.”
Additionally, Mr. Atang explained the dual curriculum approach at SMIC, which blends the Cambridge international program with the national curriculum. “We’re going to take the best from both programs to help our students succeed in the world,” he affirmed.
This significant achievement marks a new chapter for St. Mary’s International College, setting a standard for educational excellence in the region and preparing students for success in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
