The new Vice Chancellor of the ICT University, Prof. Jean Emmanuel Pondi, has promised to continue from where his predecessor stopped by promoting an inclusive and student centered management at the institution.
He was speaking at the induction ceremony that took place Wednesday January 05, 2022, at the institution in Messa – Yaounde.
“I know that this is a great institution, and I know that the world of the 21st century revolves around ICT, so i am convinced that we are at the right place, and we would bring some new impetus, I come with open arms, ears and open eyes, so as to listen first, listen keenly and carefully, so as to be able to move the University forward.” The new Vice Chancellor, Jean Emmanuel Pondi, said.
Prof. Jean Emmanuel Pondi, takes over from Rev. Prof. Anyambod Emmanuel Anya, who has served the university as Vice Chancellor since 2017, after his recruitment two years earlier (2015) as Provost.
The new Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Jean Emmanuel Pondi, is a specialist in political science and international relations, former director of the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), Vice Rector at the University of Yaounde II, haven occupied other important positions in other state owned universities.
The induction ceremony which withness the presence of top government officials from my the Presidency of the Republic and the Prime Minister’s office including Parliamentarians and other University Dons was an occassion to celebrate and pay tribute to the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Anyambod Emmanuel Anya, for endless services to the institution.
In a tribute presented by Cherrycharry Agwa Tabi, the out going VC aggressively marketed the university that led to increased student enrollment, he facilitated the upgrading of the physical library to an E-Library with more than eighty thousand (80.000) books of different specialties and resources, he coordinated the installation of the development planning program (PhD and Masters Level) at the University.
Besides his academic achievements, Rev. Prof. Anyambod, enabled the transfer of the university from it’s temporal site at Monte de Soeur, to it’s present location.
Being a clergy, he facilitated the inauguration of the ICT University Chapel, which has greatly improved the moral and spiritual life of the students of the University.
By parting with Rev. Anyambod, most, if not all those who paid tribute to him shed tears, even the president of the board of trustees, Prof. Victor Mbarika, who however remained confident in the future of the institution.
“Professor Jean Emmanuel Pondi, is an icon, he has proven himself in Cameroon and beyond, and one thing I love about him is his love for Pan Africanism, … We are all graduates from American Universities, we are bringing that sense of America to Cameroon, but bringing it within the taste of the Africa realities, so there was no other best person to do that at this time than Prof. Pondi. We are just going to benefit from what he has to take the University forward.” Prof. Mbarika disclosed.
Recognitions
One major aspect of the induction ceremony was recognitions given to some meritorious students, lecturers and staff of the ICT University.
The out going VC, Rev. Prof. Anyambod Emmanuel Anya, was honoured with an award for his relentless services to the institution.
Three best student projects were also recognized and the students given certificates. Among the projects was an attendance management application.
Senator Fon Chafah Isaac, was on his part named Brand Ambassador of the ICT University. He joined other Brand Ambassadors like Former Minister Ama Tutu Muna, and CRTV Journalist Charles Ebune.
Speaking at the ceremony in his capacity as pioneer Vice Chancellor of the ICT University, Prof Sammy Beban Chunbow, Praised the promoter of the University for his love for constant change indicating that “transition is important” because it is a period where management strive for the best.
