Findings show UB is not "Bakwerinized"

Some weeks ago, Dr. Martin Sango in an opinionated piece alleged that Bakwerinization was rife at the University of Buea (UB), but The SUN’s independent findings pick holes in this assertion.

In the opinion that analysts say was uncalled for, Dr. Sango wrote that “Since Nalova took over as VC all her appointments are geared towards her Bakwerinization grand design. It is shocking that an intellectual of this age will be so narrow-minded as to openly show tribal sentiments.”

It is at the instance of this that we went finding out if UB is (not) Bakwerinised.

We gathered from our investigations that out of the over 500 individuals who constitute the teaching staff strength of the University of Buea, those from Bakweri origin are few, or as one of the Bakweri lecturers had told The SUN months ago, “Bakweri lecturers are almost extinct at UB. They are a rare species.”

As it stands, only one lecturer from Bakweri origin is Vice Dean at UB; Dr. Ekoka Molindo, Vice Dean at the Faculty of Education.

There is also only one Head of Department with a Bakweri descent. Dr.Ernest L. Molua is Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agro-business in the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine of the University of Buea.

After Ekema Patrick Esunge, Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education became Mayor of Buea, only two members of administration with a Bakweri ancestry are Faculty Officers; Dr. Kingsley Ngange of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences and Madam Eposi Ngeve of the Faculty of Arts.

Going by our findings, the Bakweris can only boost of one director at UB – Prof. Simon Mbua Ngale Efange, Director of Development.

Everything put together, out of the scores of administrative positions at UB, not up to one-tenth is occupied by a Bakweri indigene.

The list of full-time academic staff of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences (SMS) for 2012/2013, a copy The SUN procured, does not have the names of up to two lecturers of Bakweri origin.

Given that the faculty of SMS makes up about 60% of UB, it will mean that there are very few Bakweri indegenes in the university, or we’ll go by the words of one of the Bakweri lecturers who hold that Bakweris at UB are a rare species.

But before we get pelleted by stones of disapproval from those who say UB is Bakwerinised, it will be wise if they say this with documents to back up their arguments.

Dr. Sango had also opinionated that “there is ample evidence that even Bakwerians who are on retirement within the institution are holding tight to their …”

A University official who pleaded not to be named told The SUN that appointment into administrative positions at the University of Buea is not the preserve of the Vice-Chancellor. The varsity don said appointments are made after consultations with the Minister of Higher Education and in some cases, with approval from the Head of State.

The official argues that it is not the place of the Vice-Chancellor to replace staff who are due retirement, neither is it her place to instruct the Minister of Higher Education to do so.

Contacted to comment on the supposed Bakwerinisation of UB, Dr. Ernest Molua simply said “let the official documents be visited. Those who say there is bakwerinisation in UB should show proof.