Prof. Rose Leke and Prof Jean-Claude Mbanya were honoured last Friday.

Professor Rose F Leke and Professor Jean-Claude Mbanya last Friday February 17 received a standing ovation from staff and students of the University of Yaounde 1, particularly those of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences for distinguishing themselves at the international platform through outstanding awards. During the event to celebrate excellence at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the Rector of the University of Yaounde I, Professor Oumarou Bouba echoed words of recognition to Prof. Jean-Claude Mbanya for obtaining the award: “Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa” of the University of Oslo, Norway on September 1, 2011 and to Prof. Rose Leke for achieving the “2011 African Union Kwame Nkrumah Award” recognising women in Science and Technology.

Prof. Jean-Claude Mbanya’s works over the last 15 years on diabetes earned him the award. The award is recognition by the University of Oslo for his contribution in diabetology and endocrinology in the world. This is the first time an African is awarded the Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa by the Oslo University which is also the university that pre-selects the Nobel Prize winners in the world. On her part, Prof Rose Leke felt humbled, privileged and gave God the glory and honour for such an occasion. “Celebrating female excellence is something rare, particularly in Africa”, Pr Rose Leke said. Adding that the award is a crown in a career which she has dedicated to science and research on malaria, particularly malaria in pregnant women. The event was punctuated with singing, handing over of special gifts and a poem by Professor Alfred Njamshi entitled, “Brain is Gain”. The neurologist in his poem said it is time to train and retain every African brain.