Stage Set For National Polytechnic Bambui To Begin MBA Program

Yong Francis, Proprietor

The dream of Pa Francis Yong, proprietor of the National Polytechnic Bambui, NPB would soon become to fruition. Bobe Yong told graduating students of the 2012 batch last April 28 that once he attains the feat to provide professional training to Cameroonian youths, he would thereon have respite. Even before the October 2012 deadline, when his expectations are supposed to be met, Bobe Yong has even arrived. Last week, NPB officials told pressmen that the institution would not only begin offering the Masters of Business Administration, MBA decree programs but also to offer the first maritime program in partnership with the University of Ghana.

Bobe Yong made startling revelations at the last April convocation, yet, last week’s press briefing expatiated on his dream. Denis Sanyi Ngong, Vice Rector of NPB told newsmen that they are up to an MBA program, with specialty in international business studies.

The MBA program, would though be offered by NPB, would be in conjunction with terms reached with a partner. This is the Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences in Finland.

The NPB Vice Rector disclosed that the deal was stroke sometime last year. He said NPB achieved a partnership in the Finland varsity in varied areas of studies. He said it entails the level of students and lecturers exchange programmes and double degree programmes.

To crown it all, Denis Sanyi Ngong opined that the introduction of the MBA program at NPB was the ‘mother-of-all’. He continued that the MBA program was a dream by Pa Yong to strive towards professionalism. Moreso, given that MBAs are the most solicited degree programs, the proprietor took advantage to introduce it in Cameroon, for the benefit of both Cameroon nationals and others.

MBA at NPB?

According to the Vice Rector of NPB, the MBA school in Finland is simply being moved from Finland to NPB in Bamenda-Cameroon; that the move was taken given expectations that there has been that zeal and influx of Cameroonians and other African students to read for the MBA in Europe.

NPB school authorities also averred that it had become a necessity for the program to be hosted in Cameroon. Reason why beginning the next academic year, the program would kick-start to last for 18 months. NPB officials averred that it would be a semi part-time program designed for workers. It would be a 14-15 courses structure, designed to meet not only global but African business needs.

For the MBA program to operate in Cameroon is no child’s play. In Europe, Chronicle gathered that it takes some 8 or 9 million FCFA as tuition fees. Yet, given the stakes, NPB authorities announced that the tuition fee would be fixed at some 4.7 million FCFA: that out of this amount, 30% of it would be for the flight ticket from Cameroon to Finland and back; given that part of the program has to be finalized in Finland.

Once the program takes off, NPB would become the hub of international business academic prowess. To this, Chronicle was told that NPB would so far become the unique centre in West Africa for anyone aspiring to acquire the MBA program in Finland. Even as Chronicle was told, what NPB would be offering would be the Executive MBA program.

Already, NPB has a limited number of 40 students as its initial take-in. Even those to be admitted are not going to be nitwits. According to the Vice Rector, qualified candidates must be decree holders in the specialized disciplines of management, business, accountancy; that applicants must have had a 3-year work experience.

NPB & Degrees

The Vice Rector of NPB overtly declared that his institution does not offer degrees. He said in line with prescriptions from the ministry of higher education, only the institutions affiliated to NPB can award certificates/degrees. To justify, he said during last April 28 convocation, it was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea and the Rector of the University of Dschang that bestowed degrees to successful students, and not NPB per se.

Chronicle was told that just like in the degree programs, the Central Ostrobothnies University of Applied Sciences in Finland would accord the MBA degree to successful candidates, who undertake the 18 months course and are successfully assessed.

Last Friday June 15, 2012 press brief was coordinated by Philip Bawe, one-time CRTV editorialist. Philip Bawe is today lecturer and public relations officer at NPB; Arouna, the NPB officer in charge of missions just as Ngalleh Francis dean of the school of law, wee conspicuously present. Gideon Takah, head of the journalism and mass communication unit at NPB was also present. Bobe Yong Francis only surfaced after the press bried but gave his backing to all what transpired.