The sixth batch of graduation from the Baptist School of Public Health (BSPH), otherwise called, the Rehabilitation Training Center of Excellence (RTCE) in Mutengene, Cameroon took place for the third time in the magnificent school premises on January 16, 2026 under the patronage of the Honorable Minister of Social Affairs, CBC leadership led by the Executive President (EP) and the authorities of the SW region where the school is located.
The 55 graduating professionals included: BSc in Physiotherapy – 11, BSc in Biomedical Engineering Technology – 10, Diploma in Multiskilled Rehabilitation Technician – 6 and Diploma in Social Work with Specialization in Community Based Rehabilitation -24. Some 178 new students (freshmen and women) also took the Matriculation Oath to be respectful and responsible students throughout their study period at the Baptist School of Public Health.
Validating the graduates, Chief Asongtia Valentine Foreke, Inspector General, representative of Her Excellency Pauline Irene Nguene, Minister of Social Affairs, highlighted a critical reality. “According to the latest World Disability Report published jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, more than one billion of the world’s population, that is around 15 percent, live with a disability. That is one child in ten and one woman in five. About 80 percent of these people live in developing countries”.
Narrowing this down to Cameroon with an estimated population of 30 million according to projection from the National Institute of Statistics, the Ministry of Social Affairs official confirmed that Cameroon has more than 3 million persons with disabilities if we apply the 15 percent ratio of the World Report on Disability to this demographic data. “You have come to fill the gap in the field of social work. As professionals, you are prerequisite for the empowerment and development of persons with disabilities”. For this reason, the government official challenged the graduates to uphold professionalism, humility, and dedication as they serve. He emphasized that Community Based Rehabilitation is a strategic priority in government policy and congratulated the CBC Health Services for pioneering this rare training on behalf of the government.
Taking the cue, Rev. Teke John Ekema, CBC Executive President rejoiced over the rapid growth of the BSPH over a few years, thanks to the immeasurable support of partners like AFAS and Liliane Foundations through the EDID Program led by its indefatigable Manager, Mrs. Agho Glory.
The CBC chieftain announced that the certificates awarded to graduates from BSPH Mutengene will gain both national and international recognition following the approval on August 22, 2025 of the Baptist University Institute by Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of Higher Education under which BSPH now operates as one of its Schools. According to the EP, there is still much to accomplish in the partnership between the CBC and the various government technical ministries.
The EP had this charge for the graduating health professionals, “The world is full of clowns, go out there to amaze the world and not to amuse the amuse the world. Do not join the world of clowns,” he reiterated emphatically. The EP also welcomed the new cohort of students into the community of BSPH Mutengene, 178 of them.
Mr. Ngum Samuel, Director of Health Services (DHS) was not indifferent to the enormous contributions made by the living forces to accomplish the successful graduation of the sixth batch of special needs trainees from the BSPH Mutengene. Quoting Nelson Mandela, Mr. Ngum congratulated the graduates for choosing the most powerful weapon of Education to change the world from the misconceptions surrounding disabilities.
The DHS appealed on partners like AFAS, LF and MIVA not to relent their support. “As we look ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing the training programs at the Baptist School of Public Health. Let us continue to innovate, mentor, and inspire – knowing that the future of our graduates and our institution rests on our shared dedication”.
In a succinct academic discourse, Prof. Kah Henry of the University of Buea challenged the graduates and the audience on the theme, “Building the Future through Creativity, Excellence, and Transformative Resilience in Cameroon. Prof. Kah challenged the graduates to trust God, shun laziness and believe in themselves to work hard, because as he put it, “What lies within you is far greater than the challenges surrounding you”. Prof. Kah Henry encouraged the incoming students to emulate those graduating today.
Speaking as overall best student and representative of the sixth graduating batch, Ngeh Gaius, BSc in Physiotherapy, expressed deep gratitude for the training received and for instilling in them professionalism, compassion and integrity. On behalf of his peers, he pledged that they would use the skills acquired during their training for the good of those they are called to serve.
The batch representative described the graduation as the reward of years of discipline, perseverance and personal growth, appreciating the CBC Health Services administration and partners for their unwavering support. With confidence, ambition and humility, the class of 2025 committed to making meaning impact and upholding the proud reputation of the Baptist School of Public Health in Mutengene, Cameroon.
