National Asociation of Private Higher Education Institutions: Dr Francisca Hongla Biaka elected first female president.

She was voted during the association's elective general assembly that took place Monday, March 30 in Nkolandom, Centre Region. The confab was chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Prof Wilfred Nyongbet Gabsa.

Members celebrated Dr Biaka's victory, given that it is the first time a woman is voted to the helm of the association and the first time the South West Region is holding the presidency of NAPHEI.

Participants at the elective assembly said her election is a milestone for private higher education in Cameroon and a source of pride for the Biaka community.

Her three-year mandate will run until 2029. Dr Biaka brings to the helm of NAPHEI decades of experience having served since 2018 as the Vice Chancellor of BUIB and simultaneously as head of the Biaka Group. 

The Biaka Group is a multifaceted organisation encompassing education, healthcare, and community development initiatives. 

Dr Biaka is also actively involved in philanthropy through the Dr Biaka Memorial Foundation, which supports community outreach, women's empowerment, and inclusive healthcare initiatives.

Her leadership style, it was said, emphasizes vision, collaboration, and quality standards vital for HAPNEI.

Stakeholders said they expect her presidency to strengthen collaboration among Cameroon's numerous private higher education institutions, promote higher academic standards, and advance the sector's overall mission. 

It was said at the gathering that private institutions play a vital role in training young professionals public universities face capacity constraints. 

Her peers said they expect her to address issues such as concerns over quality assurance, infrastructure, and accreditation. They also sounded optimistic that Dr Biaka's background gives her the national and international requirement to guide NAPHEI.

As the first female President of NAPHEI, she joins a growing number of women breaking barriers in academic administration.

The Biaka community has described the outcome as recognition of its leader's "astuteness and vision."

There are those who have stated that Dr. Biaka success will be measured by how effectively she unites members, upholds quality, and positions NAPHEI as a strong voice for sustainable development in Cameroon's knowledge economy.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3749 of Thursday April 02, 2026