Diverse activities took centre-stage to celebrate this year’s Commonwealth Day at the University of Buea.

The benefits that the University of Buea derives from the Commonwealth were replete in speeches marking commemorative activities for Commonwealth Day 2015 on March 9. Students of the University of Buea (UB) and secondary schools in the Buea municipality, who answered present at the University campus, listened with rapt attention to explanations why the day is commemorated,  the Queen's speech  and message from Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Fonkeng Epah George, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Cooperation and Relations with the Business World got a standing ovation when he enumerated what the University has benefited in terms of Commonwealth scholarships and staff fellowships. Over the years, he disclosed, the University has benefited from the rich academic and professional experiences of Commonwealth Scholars nominated to UB.

Chairing deliberations, he recalled that UB is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and is one of the nominating institutions for the Commonwealth Scholarship programme. As such, UB has benefited from research networks partly sponsored by the ACU (RIMI4AC). "Another great achievement in UB's participation in the ACU," he announced, "is that UB has been granted a place to host a Commonwealth student on the Commonwealth scholarship for the 2015/2016 academic year."

Professor Fonkeng Epah George hailed the 53 member countries for their urge for good governance and determination to better the lives of its 2.4 billion citizens through international cooperation. Under the theme "A Young Commonwealth", the messages of Queen Elizabeth II, Head of Commonwealth, and that of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, harped on the Commonwealth connection which encourages respect and understanding that are so much needed in our world today.  Presentations on the youth and social responsibilities, entrepreneurship platform and development in the Commonwealth, among others, focused on the youth who must involve themselves in development oriented activities.