Blog – Page 2 – BIAKA UNIVERSITY

22Mar

SUM-IT Africa’s IoT Capacity Building and Hackathon: A Three-Day Innovation Journey at Biaka University Institute of Buea

From the 20^th – 22^nd of March, at the campus of Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) tech enthusiasts, students, and industry professionals gathered for a transformative three-day Internet of Things (IoT) capacity-building and hackathon program. Organized by SUM-IT Africa and hosted by BUIB’s School of Engineering and Technology, the event which ran for Three days aimed to equip participants with the technical skills and innovative mindset necessary to build IoT solutions that address real-world challenges in Africa’s digital economy.

The opening day was meant to Set the Stage for Innovation as event officially opened on March 20 with an inspiring welcome speech from the founder of SUM-IT Africa, Ms. Ebude Hilda who emphasized the importance of IoT in shaping Africa’s technological future. The Director of BUIB’s School of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Willibroad who represented the Vice Chancellor followed with remarks highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and empowering students with industry-relevant skills.

Following the opening remarks, participants were taken through an overview of the program’s expectations and hackathon goals. The organizers outlined key learning outcomes, the structure of the hackathon, and the judging criteria for the final pitch session.

A keynote address by Mr. Fon Wilfred, the CEO of Revival Digital Company shed light on the Relevance of IoT in Africa’s Digital Economy. He highlighted how IoT technologies are revolutionizing sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and urban development and encouraged participants to focus on solutions that have a tangible impact on African and the middle-East communities.

Next was a panel discussion on Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Prospects of IoT in Africa brought together industry leaders, startup founders, and academics. The panelists engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about infrastructure challenges, data security, and the need for local talent development. They also discussed potential opportunities, such as smart agriculture, e-health solutions, and IoT-driven logistics optimization.

After the panel session, the technical workshops began, immersing participants in hands-on learning experiences. The first workshop on IoT Connectivity focused on various communication protocols, including MQTT, LoRaWAN, and NB-IoT, providing participants with a foundational understanding of how IoT devices communicate. The second workshop, Cloud Integration for IoT, introduced participants to cloud platforms such as AWS IoT Core and Google Cloud IoT, showcasing how cloud computing enhances data processing, storage, and analytics.

The day concluded with teams formation and an idea brainstorming session. Participants grouped into teams, shared their interests, and began conceptualizing their IoT solutions. By the end of the session, teams had sketched out preliminary ideas and assigned roles, setting the stage for the intensive development process to follow.

The second day started off with a Design Thinking Masterclass on User-Centered Innovation for IoT Solutions. Facilitated by an experienced UX designer, this session emphasized the importance of designing solutions that address user needs and pain points. Participants were guided through the principles of empathy mapping, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing, helping them refine their ideas before delving into development.

The first technical workshop of the day focused on Data Visualization for IoT. Teams learned how to interpret and present IoT-generated data using visualization tools like Grafana and Power BI. This session was crucial in ensuring that participants could make sense of IoT data and communicate insights effectively.

Next came the Hands-on Prototyping Workshop, where teams got their hands dirty, assembling hardware components, writing firmware, and connecting devices to the cloud. Under the guidance of mentors, participants tested sensors, wrote code, and troubleshot connectivity issues, steadily bringing their ideas to life.

As the day drew to a close, teams participated in a Mentor Feedback Session, presenting their progress and receiving expert insights on how to improve their solutions. The mentors provided valuable guidance on technical implementation, user experience, and business viability, helping teams refine their projects in preparation for the final presentation.

The final day kicked off with a Masterclass on Pitching, designed to equip participants with storytelling techniques and strategies for delivering compelling presentations. They learned how to articulate the problem they were solving, demonstrate the functionality of their IoT solutions, and communicate the potential impact of their projects as they all aimed to win in the pitching session.

Following the masterclass, teams moved into the Product Testing and Demo Preparation Phase. This session was crucial as participants worked to refine their prototypes, conduct last-minute debugging, and ensure their demos were seamless. Some teams ran live tests of their IoT solutions, while others refined their presentation slides and rehearsed their pitches.

The event culminated in the Hackathon Pitch and Demo Session, where each team had the opportunity to showcase their work to a panel of judges comprising tech experts, investors, and academics. The presentations were evaluated based on innovation, technical feasibility, impact, and market potential. Teams demonstrated a range of solutions, from smart irrigation systems for sustainable farming to remote patient monitoring devices for healthcare accessibility.

After an intense deliberation, the judges announced the winning team, whose innovative smart traffic management system impressed the panel with its potential to reduce congestion in urban areas. The winning team was awarded medals by the logistics personel of BUIB, Mr. Penyia Nelson on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and recognized for their outstanding creativity, technical execution, and problem-solving approach.

In a bid to see a new generation of IoT Innovators, the organizers expressed their gratitude to BUIB, the participants, mentors, and sponsors who made the program a success as the event drew to a close. The founder of SUM-IT Africa commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to continue exploring IoT technologies beyond the hackathon. The Director of BUIB’s School of Engineering and Technology reiterated the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and expressed hope for future collaborations. The three-day IoT capacity-building and hackathon program at BUIB was more than just a competition; it was an immersive learning experience that empowered participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to develop impactful IoT solutions. For many, this event marked the beginning of their journey as IoT innovators, paving the way for a future where technology drives positive change in Africa’s digital economy.

15Mar

Ernest Ekema Debate

7 Minutes for Girls: A Championship of Wit and Eloquence

The Cameroon Debate Circuit, in collaboration with the Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB), successfully organized a two-day High School Girls Debate Championship under the theme “7 Minutes for Girls.” The championship, which brought together at least seven girls from eleven schools, served as a platform to empower young female voices in critical thinking, public speaking, and structured argumentation.

Day one of the championship kicked off with an intensive training session on the British Parliamentary form of debate. The training, facilitated by seasoned debaters adjudicators and trainers, provided the participants with the necessary tools to structure their arguments, analyze motions critically, and engage in constructive rebuttals. The girls showed great enthusiasm as they actively participated in the drills, honing their skills in anticipation of the competition.

Following the training, the championship was formally declared open by the Registrar of BUIB, who represented the Vice-Chancellor. In her opening remarks, Dr. Visimih Veronica commended the Cameroon Debate Circuit team for their efforts in promoting gender-inclusive intellectual competitions and encouraged the young girls to seize the opportunity to refine their debating skills. Her words of encouragement set a tone of determination and enthusiasm among the participants. Representing the Ministry of Secondary Education was Mme. Epie who emphasized on the role educating the girl child and reminded the girls of the greater objective of empowering girls with knowledge through the right platforms and stages.

Shortly after the opening ceremony, the students were paired into teams and sent to their designated debate venues. Each debate round was adjudicated by trained judges drawn from the Women’s Empowerment Centre, alongside school staff members who accompanied the participants. The debates were intense, with the young debaters passionately arguing for and against motions on pressing societal issues. The competition showcased their analytical skills, eloquence, and confidence as they engaged in intellectual battles for supremacy.

Day two commenced with continuous training on public speaking and advanced debating techniques. The trainers focused on voice modulation, persuasive delivery, and handling cross-examinations effectively. These additional lessons proved invaluable as the participants prepared for the next rounds of the championship.

The day progressed with open debating sessions, where students were given the liberty to debate outside the formal competition structure. This segment fostered a spirit of intellectual camaraderie as the girls exchanged ideas, challenged viewpoints, and learned from each other in a less pressured environment.

As the competition reached its climax, the semi-final ran on the motion “This House Regrets the Rise of Women to Power”. The final rounds took center stage where the top performing teams advanced, and the tension in the debate halls heightened. The debators argued on the motion that “The Ownership of Lands by Women as well as Female Succession is Prohibited”. After rigorous intellectual battles, the students from Saker Baptist College emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional debating skills, teamwork, and resilience. Their victory was met with loud applauds, as they had outshone their peers in well-reasoned arguments and compelling presentations.

The championship concluded with an award ceremony, where participants were honored with medals for their efforts and commitment to the competition. Prizes were handed over by Dr. Feh Mary, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Cooperation and Innovation, who represented the Vice-Chancellor. In her closing remarks, she lauded the participants for their remarkable performance and encouraged them to continue harnessing their public speaking skills for future endeavors.

The High School Girls Debate Championship was not only a competition but also a transformative experience that empowered young girls to express themselves confidently and engage meaningfully in societal discourse. As the participants departed, they carried with them valuable lessons, newfound confidence, and the determination to become the next generation of influential female voices in Cameroon and beyond.

8Mar

Ernest Ekema Women's Day 2025

Biaka Group Women Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 in Grand Style

The 40^th Edition of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration was a vibrant and empowering one for the women of the Biaka community. With the global theme “For all women and girls: rights, equality and empowerment”, the Biaka women joined thousands of other women from various backgrounds in a series of activities that highlighted their strength, resilience, and unity.

The celebrations kicked off on March 1^st, 2025, at Alcef Park in Limbe, where the Biaka women met with other women from different professions, institutions, and communities for a fun-filled day of games and socialization. The park was filled with excitement as women engaged in friendly competitions in dodgeball, hopscotch(tabala), swimming, and the traditional game of seven stones. In the course of the games, Biaka Group’s Ms. Ebane Ngozi and Ms. Josiane distinguished themselves by winning the 2^nd and 3^rd prizes respectively in the dodgeball competition.

Laughter and cheers filled the air as teams strategized and played their hearts out. The dodgeball competition was particularly intense, with teams displaying both skill and teamwork. The swimming event also drew much attention, as participants challenged each other in friendly races, showcasing their athleticism. Beyond the games, women took time to network, share experiences, and celebrate one another, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and empowerment.

On March 8, the official 2025 International Women’s Day, the Biaka women, alongside other women from professional bodies, institutions, traditional and cultural groups, converged at the Independence Square at Clerks Quarters, Buea, for the annual march parade. The event, presided over by the Governor of the South West Region, was a spectacle of unity and strength.

Dressed in their official IWD fabric, the Biaka women marched with pride, their colorful outfits symbolizing their commitment to gender equality and empowerment. Various women leaders took turns addressing the crowd, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, equal opportunities, and the need for continuous advocacy for women’s rights. The Governor, in his keynote speech, praised the contributions of women in different sectors and encouraged them to keep pushing boundaries.

After the parade, the Biaka women retreated to the Biaka Complex for a special celebration organized exclusively for them. The atmosphere was joyous as they gathered to mark the function together. The event at the Biaka Complex began with an opening prayer, setting the tone for an afternoon of appreciation and merriment. The Vice-Chancellor of Biaka University Institute of Buea then took the stage to deliver a welcome address, acknowledging the remarkable efforts of the women in various fields and their significant contributions to the growth of not only the institution but also individual lives, families, and the entire community at large.

A particularly touching moment of the celebration was when the Biaka women collectively presented a gift to their Board-chair, president and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mrs Francisca Hongla Biaka, as a token of appreciation for her unwavering support and unique leadership qualities. The gesture was met with heartfelt gratitude, symbolizing the deep respect and unity within the Biaka community.

Following the formal proceedings, the atmosphere transitioned into one of pure fun and excitement. Women engaged in different games, reliving the playful spirit of their youth. Some male colleagues also joined the celebration, standing in solidarity with the women and showing their support for gender inclusivity.

The day culminated in a refreshment session, where everyone enjoyed delicious food and drinks while continuing to share stories and experiences as they danced to different jams and tunes. The Biaka women left the celebration feeling empowered, appreciated, and motivated to keep making a difference in their respective roles.

The 2025 International Women’s Day celebration was more than just an event; it was a reaffirmation of the strength, resilience, and unity of the Biaka women. Through sports, socialization, and recognition of achievements, the day served as a powerful reminder of the vital role women play in society. As the day’s festivities drew to an end, one thing was clear: the Biaka women had not only celebrated but had also inspired one another to continue striving for excellence and inclusion in all spheres of life.

21Feb

Ernest Ekema BUIB Journals

Introducing the Biaka University Institute of Buea Journal of Management and Business (BUIBJMB) – First Edition

The Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) is proud to introduce the Biaka University Institute of Buea Journal of Management and Business (BUIBJMB), a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in management and business studies. This journal is an initiative of the School of Management Sciences at BUIB and serves as an academic platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners worldwide.

A Platform for Cutting-Edge Research and Innovation

BUIBJMB embodies the philosophy of “Audacity to be Different”, a core principle that drives Biaka University Institute of Buea to be a leader in research, education, and innovation. The journal is committed to publishing high-quality, impactful research that explores new and existing management and business philosophies, best practices, and breakthrough innovations.

Our goal is to foster dialogue and collaboration between academia and industry professionals, creating a synergy that enhances both theoretical and practical applications in the business world. As globalization continues to reshape industries, BUIBJMB will focus on critical challenges and emerging trends in management, business strategies, and entrepreneurship.

Why Publish with BUIBJMB?

Rigorous Peer-Review Process – Ensuring academic excellence and integrity.
Fast and Efficient Publication – Timely reviews and publication for high visibility.
Interdisciplinary Approach – Connecting different disciplines and innovative methodologies.
Wide Dissemination – Print and online access to reach a global audience.
Support for Young Researchers – Publishing high-quality postgraduate research and dissertations.

What to Expect in Our First Edition

The inaugural edition of BUIBJMB features a diverse collection of research papers covering:

Emerging trends in business management and entrepreneurship.
The impact of globalization on business strategies.
Innovations in management practices and leadership.
The role of technology in modern business operations.

We invite scholars, professionals, and postgraduate students to explore the insights provided in this edition and engage in meaningful discussions that contribute to the evolution of business and management sciences.

Call for Submissions

BUIBJMB is open for submissions from researchers and professionals interested in sharing their expertise. We welcome research papers, case studies, book reviews, conference proceedings, and editorials. If you have valuable insights and findings, this is the perfect platform to showcase your work.

Join Us in Advancing Knowledge

The BUIBJMB is more than just a journal—it is a movement toward excellence in management and business research. We encourage academic institutions, industry experts, and young scholars to contribute and benefit from the wealth of knowledge that will be disseminated.

For more information about submission guidelines, upcoming editions, and collaborations, visit our website or contact our editorial board. Let’s shape the future of business and management together!

Stay connected. Stay informed. Be part of the change with BUIBJMB!

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