Baptist School of Public Health Celebrates New Graduates
The Baptist School of Public Health has held a graduation ceremony to celebrate its latest class of graduates in Nutrition Counseling, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Pharmaceutical Production Assistants, Public Health, and Post Graduate Certificate in Quality Assurance. The ceremony which took place on December 2, was attended by distinguished guests, including the D.O. of Tiko Sub-Division D.O Armstrong Voh and Prof Tih Pius Muffih, guest of honour who delivered an inspiring Academic Discourse on the theme “Professional Development to Improve Population Health and Reduce Health Inequalities”.
These graduates who had undergone training in different fields before being conferred their certificates were charged by the D.O. to use their skills to improve the health of their communities, considering both the spiritual and physical well-being of their patients. He said this is what makes the Health Services unique while assuring them of the administration’s support and partnership. The D.O used the occasion to congratulate Prof Tih Pius, Director of the CBC Health Services whom he described as an iconic and indefatigable leader, appreciating him for all he is doing at the helm of the system which he has completely transformed, making it a machine, an instrument, a mechanism that stands the test of time and the evolution of society. “Today we are proud to say we have a Baptist School of Public Health thanks to your ingenuity, your creativity, and the fact that you came at the helm of this important structure to see that not only does the CBC contribute in all its facets to answer to humanity but to see that it has a holistic touch”. He recapitulated.
In his Academic Discourse, the Guest of Honour said the topic is not just a theoretical concept but a call to action that demands attention and dedication therefore professional development should bridge the gap of inequality. Noting that health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, the Public Health Specialist noted that the recent global health crisis has underscored the need for professionals who can adapt to unforeseen challenges, devise innovative solutions, and implement strategies to protect populations from new health threats. He highlighted the critical role each graduating class plays in shaping a healthier future. The graduates in Nutrition Counseling will contribute to a more informed society, while those in Pharmaceutical Production will ensure the quality and accessibility of medicines. Those who specialize in Logistics and Supply Chain Management will optimize healthcare supply chains.
The 4th Deputy Mayor and a host of other speakers took different turns to congratulate the graduates for studying to contribute to nation-building. The Mayor who described his municipality as a gateway to the Fako division in the South Region said his municipality is proud of the Health Services Complex for having a heart for the people. He noted that the Council has consistently and faithfully collaborated with the Complex and the CBC in general.
Mr Nkouh Godlove, Academic Dean of the BSPH in a presentation gave a brief history of the institution and its unique study-while-you-work model. He revealed that in 2012, the CBC Health Services identified an existing gap in Cameroon in terms of learning opportunities especially learning while working, reasons why Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS) Uganda established an MOU to transfer knowledge skills in Cameroon in a manner convenient for the working class. He said courses at the institution are offered based on felt need, contextual realities, changing trends, and global standards as it operates within the confines of study while you work. He informed the audience that the institution in June 2021 was transformed from the Regional Training Centre to the BSPH, a decision by the Minister of Higher Education that will cause the scale-up and improve training to upgrade the skills of personnel in relevant fields of public health and community outreach.
92 graduates received their certificates, including 35 in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 22 in Pharmaceutical Production, 16 in Public Health, 10 in Quality Assurance, and 9 in Nutrition Counseling.
Led by the Registrar, Dr. Jam Helga, the graduates, having demonstrated their dedication to learning and achieving excellence throughout their studies, were presented to the Director of the CBC Health Services for the conferment of their well-earned Certificates. It was an exercise that ended with the award of prizes to meritorious graduates for being outstanding in their various disciplines and for working diligently to assist the administration in running the institution.
The graduating class representative expressed their gratitude for the exceptional education they received at the BSPH, calling it a “citadel of learning” in Cameroon and a privilege to be a part of. Despite facing numerous challenges, their unwavering determination propelled them to success. He expressed sincere gratitude to his dedicated lecturers for diligently imparting knowledge and skills. He reassured them that their training has equipped them to serve their communities with high-quality care, a commitment they intend to uphold. The graduates were dedicated to God by Rev Nji David, Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, Buea.