A Celebration of Excellence, Mentorship, and Community at Saint Joseph’s College Sasse
SASSE, Cameroon – The Saint Joseph’s College Sasse campus was alive with a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose on December 13th and 14th, 2025, as it hosted the annual SOBA America Day. The event, a cornerstone of SOBA America’s commitment to its alma mater, brought together alumni, students, staff, and community leaders for a two-day celebration of academic achievement, mentorship, and giving back.
Representing SOBA America President Mr. Njukang Asong, Organizing Secretary Mr. Etchu Ebott II (SOBA Houston & SOBA 1992), led the delegation, which included HRH Emeritus Michael Fondungallah (SOBA Minnesota & SOBA 1980), Emeritus Frederick Mafany Itoe (SOBA Dallas & SOBA 1988), Mr. Terence Ndime (SOBA Dallas & SOBA 2002), and Fr. Desmond Ndikum (SOBA Dallas & SOBA 2003), amongst President General, Sammy-Pride Ayuk Iyok (SOBA 1979) and President John Kameni (SOBA Buea & SOBA 1980). Their presence underscored the deep and enduring connection between the alumni association and the college.
The festivities commenced on Saturday, December 13th, with a productive meeting between the SOBA America representatives and the school’s staff. This session provided a valuable opportunity to listen to the teachers’ perspectives and discuss ways to enhance their working conditions and, in turn, the educational experience for the students. This was followed by a career orientation and mentorship workshop for the Form 5 and Upper Sixth students. Mr. Etchu Ebott II, and Mr. Terence Ndime, guided the students, who are on the cusp of their GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations, providing them with invaluable insights into making informed choices for their future academic and professional paths.
The second day was marked by a grand awards ceremony that recognized student achievements across a wide spectrum of activities, from academic excellence to social contributions like hygiene. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a one-million-franc award to Micheal-Tony Fonkeng Asemot, who made history as the first-ever arts student in Cameroon to score a perfect 25 points at the GCE Advanced Level examinations. This remarkable achievement was a source of immense pride for the entire Sasse community.
Speaking on behalf of the National Executive Council of SOBA America, Organizing Secretary Mr. Etchu Ebott II, lauded the students for their consistent 100% success rate in recent years and challenged them to strive for perfect ‘A’ grades. He also announced the opening of the Office of Alumni Affairs, a significant initiative that will serve as a hub for alumni-driven projects, student mentorship, study abroad programs, and scholarship and admission assistance. He further highlighted a new Educators’ Awards scheme, under which teachers producing the highest number of A grades at the Ordinary and Advanced Levels will have their salaries matched for an entire year, recognizing excellence in both Science and Arts at both levels.
Emeritus Frederick Mafany Itoe, speaking as a member of the SOBA America delegation, praised the unity and consistency of alumni engagement and called for deeper collaboration to strengthen academic programs and student mentorship across generations.
The endless support of the school’s proprietor, Bishop Micheal Bibi, was also acknowledged. Though unable to attend due to other commitments, his representative conveyed his gratitude to SOBA America for the annual celebration, which has played a pivotal role in the remarkable improvement in academic results and teacher output. The Principal of Saint Joseph’s College Sasse, Fr. Jude Njanto, was also praised for his instrumental role in the event’s success.
The celebration was a testament to the collective spirit of the Sasse community. Students were treated to a special breakfast, and a special meal was shared with teachers, Sobans, guests, and community leaders following the scholarship awards. The day was a resounding success, reinforcing the enduring bond between SOBA America and Saint Joseph’s College Sasse, and their shared commitment to nurturing future generations of leaders.