Academic Excellence Award
Over 18,000 among The Guardian Post millions of readers voted Senator Prof Nebah Bridget Ndosiri for her “unflinching and remarkable efforts in encouraging outstanding academic performance among students and pupils in Mezam Division of the North West Region, through her annual award of scholarships to best performing students and pupils; thereby enhancing government’s policy for quality education”. Because Senator Prof Nebah Bridget was unavoidably absent from the award ceremony in Ebolowa, on Tuesday February 20, she received her award at The Guardian Post head office at Efoulan Lac, Yaounde. She was accompanied to receive the award by a huge delegation of family members, including her husband, friends, indigenes of Bamendankwe from where she hails and other well-wishers. Reacting after receiving her award, the Senator, who is also a seasoned educationist and university don, said it was a pleasant surprise for her when she learnt she had been voted by The Guardian Post readers. “I have known of The Guardian Post for many years as one of the most esteemed English language newspapers and I have had many publications in The Guardian Post, but never knew I could one day have an award of this nature,” she said. “This award, to me, is a motivation to work harder. It is a big motivation because as you know, as Senator of the Republic, it is my duty to build my community through education, community development and you can name the rest. I was doing just that, not knowing that there is a watchdog behind me watching my actions,” she added. She continued that: “…as a university don, knowing the importance of education and knowing that where I am now is thanks to the fact that I was educated, I thought it wise to go back to my Division of origin where, because of the crisis, many young girls were kept out of the classrooms. Some not because they wanted to be out but just because their parents could no longer afford their fees or other school needs because of the crisis”. “So, I thought it wise to go back and encourage the young girls who braved the odds and who went in-between bullets to go to school to learn because education is the only key that opens all doors in the world… Education is the vector of development. I thought it wise to go back and encourage those meritorious students and pupils who did it. Despite the school boycott, they went.
Senator Prof Nebah Bridget emphasized the academic achievements of her scholarship recipients, highlighting their success in exams such as the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels, Government Common Entrance Examination, and First School Leaving Certificate. She expressed her intention to closely support these students, aiming for their stability and success, as she sees them as future leaders. As a member of the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA), she views her efforts as serving God and expressed gratitude for the recognition of her work through the award. She pledged to continue supporting young girls, expanding her scholarship program to include male students next year and extending it to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The selection process for recipients was rigorous, focusing on academic performance, with cash awards given to assist with school fees. Senator Nebah thanked her supporters and vowed to persist in her efforts to uplift students, not only in her division but throughout the North West Region, Cameroon, and beyond.
Senator’s love for giving hailed
Meanwhile, Professor Elizabeth Tamajong, a colleague and friend of Senator Professor Nebah Bridget, who is also a university professor, praised the laureate for her remarkable humility, generosity, and dedication to enhancing academic performance. “I am incredibly proud of Senator Nebah. I understand the significance of caring for these young girls. It’s deeply touching. It’s not about how much you possess, but about your willingness to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.” Prof Tamajong remarked, “The true measure lies in one’s intentions. Someone may possess vast wealth, yet remain indifferent to whether others have even a morsel of bread to eat. Senator Nebah could have chosen to hoard her wealth for her own family’s benefit. Instead, she wisely opted to extend assistance to the less fortunate in society. This is a significant deed and a valuable lesson for us all. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to her, praying that the Lord will continue to shower her with blessings.” Prof Tamajong also commended The Guardian Post for their consistent commitment to objective journalism, urging them to maintain their fearless approach.
Embodiment of humility & generosity
During a ceremony at Senator Prof Nebah Bridget Ndosiri’s residence in Yaounde to celebrate her award, former Government Delegate to the Bamenda City Council, Vincent Ndumu Nji, hailed her as a paragon of humility and generosity. Ndumu remarked, “She could have utilized the funds earmarked for scholarships to cater to her own family. However, driven by her community spirit, she chose to invest in the community to foster academic excellence.” He urged others to follow Senator Nebah Bridget Ndosi’s commendable example in supporting students and pupils towards achieving academic success. It’s worth noting that on Saturday, April 15, 2023, when Senator Prof Nebah Bridget Ndosiri received her accolades as a Senator, she pledged her five-year mandate to empowering women and girls in the North West Region. True to her promise, the proactive and astute Senator has been actively engaged in initiatives to uplift women and girls, demonstrating her commitment to her constituents.
