Breakthrough: UB now issuing certificates for ICT University graduates.

The long-standing certificate brouhaha between UB and ICT University has finally been laid to rest. A new chapter has been opened in the mentorship partnership between UB and the ICT University.

Pioneer beneficiaries of the agreement began receiving their certificates last Friday July 31, 2026. The early beneficiary graduates publicly received their certificates during a certificate handing over ceremony, held on the campus of the ICT University in Yaounde. 

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including renowned preacher, Apostle John Chi of Ark of God Covenant Ministry fame.

ICT University officials said last Friday’s ceremony marked the successful resolution of a long-standing certification issue that had affected students and graduates of the institution. 

It was disclosed that the outcome was made possible, thanks to the timely intervention of government and close cooperation between the leadership of ICT University and the University of Buea.

Last Friday’s ceremony, officials said, brought to a close, a chapter that had caused uncertainty and affected lCT University graduates.

Resolution rooted in dialogue

According to the Founder and President of the Board of Trustees of ICT University, United States-based Prof Victor Mbarika, the breakthrough was achieved through sustained engagement between the leadership of his institution and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, whose cooperation, he said, laid the groundwork for a durable solution and collaboration between both institutions. 

The endowed Professor of Information and Communication Technologies, ICT, has described the outcome, not as a one-off fix, but as the foundation of a renewed and sustainable working relationship between the two institutions.

For the global scholar, the dialogue includes concrete mechanisms, designed to prevent similar challenges from arising in the future.

“We didn’t come together for the benefit of our institution, we came together for the benefit of our students, who we owe everything to,” Prof Mbarika said last Friday.

The widely read academic continued that: “We have been blessed by free education in this country; from Primary to Secondary school level. I may have all my Professorship awards but this country made me who I am by the grace of God…”.

Prof Mbarika noted that: “We can have differences but still come together, agree, fix things and move forward. In the midst of the worst differences, we can still bring our heads together and not kill each other”.

“The most amazing thing I am excited about is that the University of Buea and ICT University have paved the way for the future. What happened, will never happen again and we are glad for the maturity of the great people of the University of Buea…I am glad for this amazing relationship” he continued.

Enter Apostle John Chi

Meanwhile, in a brief extemporised message, delivered at last Friday’s ceremony, Buea-based globally acclaimed preacher and founder of the Ark of God Covenant Ministry, Apostle John Chi, expressed gratitude to the leaderships of UB and ICT University for resolving the long-standing misunderstanding.

He congratulated the graduates of the University on their resilience and hard work. Drawing inspiration from James 1:17 and Proverbs 22:1, the preacher reminded the audience that every achievement is ultimately a gift from God, emphasising that while academic credentials open employment doors, unyielding integrity and moral character are what keep those doors open.

Apostle John Chi used the ceremony to urge graduates of the university to embrace five core principles to distinguish their lives in a rapidly changing world, shaped by Artificial Intelligence, Al and economic shifts.

The preacher particularly advised the graduates to put God first, pursue excellence over mere success, become solution providers for society’s challenges, commit to lifelong learning, and leverage personal achievement on serving humanity. 

He challenged the graduates to reject corruption and mediocrity but use their competence and faith to build strong families, communities, and the nation.

Turning to other issues, the celebrated ordained Man of God described Prof Victor Mbarika as a Professor of honour. 

“You are a vessel of honour in the hands of the Almighty God. Thank you for allowing yourself to be used by God” he said of Prof Mbarika.

“We have many Professors but we have a Professor who has made a difference and he is right here (pointing at Prof Mbarika),” he added.

Reconciliation & hope…

Officials said, last Friday, that beyond its administrative significance, the Yaounde event, held on the campus of the ICT University, carried a deeper message of reconciliation, unity, and collaboration. 

They said the event reflected the willingness of all parties, institutional and governmental, to set aside differences and act in the best interest of students, reaffirming a shared commitment to safeguarding the future of young people through quality higher education.

Looking ahead with optimism 

Meanwhile, both institutions have reaffirmed their commitment to the new framework of cooperation, with emphasis on transparency, communication, and joint problem-solving going forward. 

The event, it was said, stood as a model of how dialogue and institutional collaboration, supported by government facilitation, can resolve challenges in the higher education sector while strengthening ties between institutions for the long term.

Standing tall…

ICT University, it should be said, is a Ministry of Higher Education-accredited institution based in Yaounde. 

The university is dedicated to delivering innovative, technology-driven higher education across Africa and beyond. 

Serving more than 15,000 students through flexible on-campus and online programmes, ICT offers Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees, designed to equip graduates with practical skills for solving real-world challenges. 

Recognised for excellence in digital education, entrepreneurship, and innovation, ICT University maintains strategic academic partnerships with leading institutions worldwide and is home to Africa's first accredited eAgriculture (Digital Agriculture) Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, advancing the digital transformation of agriculture through international collaboration and cutting-edge research.

Through its partnership with the Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, one of Brazil's leading agricultural universities, ICT University is strengthening its innovative eAgriculture programme. 

The partnership supports joint research, academic exchanges, innovation, and practical training in digital agriculture, providing students with international learning opportunities. 

The four-year Bachelor's programme offers a unique international learning experience. 

Throug the programme, students spend Years 1 and 2 at ICT University in Cameroon, travel to Brazil for Year 3 at the Federal University of Lavras under an existing Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, and return to ICT University in Cameroon for Year 4 to complete their degree.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3868 of Tuesday August 04, 2026