At NW Sec. Edu. Forum: Teachers Groan Over Attempt To Ignore Simon Nkwenti

By Tegha Otega

Simon Nkwenti is a household name within the Educational sector of Cameroon: a crusader for the rights of teachers died a fortnight ago. Though he will be buried on September 7, 2012, a roar erupted at the Sector conference of Secondary Education, last Friday August 30, 2012. The program of the day, did not include a minute of silence, in honour of the fallen Nkwenti. The over 500 principals who were at the GTHS campus for the conclave, murmured in disgust. It was however the representative of the North West Governor, who created an elixir.

Ivo Makoge, Inspector at the North West Governor’s office, representing his boss, ordered for a minute of silence to be observed. He thereafter poured encomiums on the activities and achievements of the late Simon Nkwenti, describing him as a force. He singled-out Nkwenti’s dynamism and averred how his death had created a vacuum within the Cameroon educational landscape. According to the Governor’s representative, government deserves kodus, for having respected its commitment in the payment of Research and documentation allowances to teachers.

Simon Nkwenti had always been a key figure in varied/past sector conferences. A CATTU stand had always been on displace. But last week, a few CATTU members were seen distributing Nkwenti’s portrait and selling T-shirts carrying his effigy, ahead of this Friday’s funeral.

One of those remarkably present was Ivo Ndoping, Principal of GHS Mankon. He told Chronicle that life was not something one needs to make things complicated. He said, tomorrow, Simon Nkwenti would be buried and people would drink and forget about it. He recalled an edition of Chronicle in which he was tipped to be appointed principal. And a week after that publication, he replaced Fon Gwan Mbanyamsic of Guzang as principal of GHS Mankon.

Simon Nkwenti had lived a life fighting for the wellbeing of teachers. With his demise, many have been wondering who would aptly fit in his shoe.

Nkwenti’s funeral on Friday September 7, 2012 is expected to be exceptionally and groundbreaking. Louis Bapes Bapes, Secondary Education Minister, just as his predecessor, Prof Joseph Owona are expected to be in Bamenda. Even Humphrey Monono Ekema, Registrar of the Cameroon GCE board will be at Chomba.

Having had links with varied movements, Simon Nkwenti’s funeral would be expected to equate that of Dr. John Ngu Foncha, some 15 years ago. The Presbyterian Church, where he was a key CMF member, the Civil Society, CATTU and the entire Chomba community, where he was their Cultural Development National President would cocoon to mourn him.

Simon Nkwenti’s journey will begin at 8a.m at the Bamenda regional hospital mortuary on Friday September 7, 2012 where his remains will be removed; then the Bamenda congress hall for academic honours. The event would thereafter move to his Chomba residence before a funeral service a the Presbyterian Church Chomba. He will thereafter be laid to rest. (On this occasion, Chronicle would come out with a Special Edition on the A to Z of Simon Nkwenti on Thursday Sept. 6, 2012)