The university opened in 2011 as the second English language university in Cameroon, the University of Buea having been the only one up until then.[1] It began with the Higher Teachers Training College and the Higher Technical Teachers Training College as the only faculties.[2]
Campus
University of Bamenda, Bambili Campus
The main campus of the University of Bamenda is in Bambili,[3] a subdivision in Bamenda, Mezam Division, Northwest region of Cameroon. The village is along the Ring Road northeast of Bamenda. An Anglophone area, many schoolchildren are taught in English, and the use of Pidgin English is widespread. English and Pidgin play a significant role in community life, but the Mbeligi language still maintains its place as the heart language of most Bambili people.
Students in the Faculty of Health Science are currently taking studies at Mile 3 Nkwen Bamenda at the campus between Fonab Polytechnic and Saint Louise Higher Institute of Health.
Bambili is surrounded by a number of related languages (Bambui, Babanki, Bafut, Mankon, Nkwen, Mendakwe and Awing). Mbeligi is the dialect of Bambili, but distinctly related to the other ngemba languages (and each group insists on its independent identity).
Organisation and administration
The top official in the University of Bamenda, like other state universities in Cameroon, is the Minister of Higher Education.
The position is followed by the pro-chancellor and next the vice-chancellor. The vice-chancellor is assisted by the registrar.
The dean and vice-dean are in charge of each faculty.
The university institutes are headed by the director. Each department is controlled by the Head of department. The student administration is headed by a Student Union President.
Admission
Admission into the higher institutes/university colleges in the University of Bamenda is done through competitive entrance exams which involve written and oral examination. Students into other faculties are required to follow a registration procedure which involves presentation of results and study of files.
A pass in ordinary level English is a major requirement for students from Cameroon. Students from other countries are expected to possess proficiency in the English language; without this requirement, the applicant is automatically disqualified.[4]
Faculties and schools
The University of Bamenda is made up of the following faculties, schools and colleges:[5]
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Law and Political Science( With 4 departments at undergraduate program which are English private law, public law, political science and French private law.) This faculty also has post graduate programs in English Law and political science, not living out Capacity in law which is a program which students with 4 ordinary level papers can enroll in.
The Higher Teachers’ Training College of Bamenda in Bambili[6]
The Higher Technical Teachers’ Training College of Bamenda in Bambili[7]
National Higher Polytechnic Institute (NAHPI, School of Engineering) https://www.nahpi.cm
References
^"Education in Cameroon". CameroonWeb. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2018. Originally The University of Buea was the only English-model university, but with the University of Bamenda opening its doors in 2011 Cameroon now has two English Universities.
^"Higher Education: Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Cameroon's Bamenda University Takes Office". Cameroon Today News. Cameroon Today. 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2018. For now, only the Higher Teachers Training College and the Higher Technical Teachers Training College, the two pioneer institutions of the Bamenda University are functional and government sources say, the other faculties and institutions will soon go operational.
