Fostering research (Alumni contribution)
Official Handover of Donations from CAMPha-USA to FMPS
Under the theme “Strengthening Training Capacities in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Dschang: A Collective Dynamic in Service of Excellence and Development,” the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMPS) of the University of Dschang hosted the official handover ceremony of donations from the Cameroonian Association of Pharmacists in the USA (CAMPha-USA) on the 19th January 2025.
The donated materials included laboratory equipment (glassware, devices and accessories) such as test tubes, measuring cylinders, cover distillers, measuring pipettes, droppers, laboratory scale balances, vortex mixers, dissolution machines, adapters, calibration weights, , among others. These items are intended to significantly enhance practical training, research, and teaching within the Faculty.
This ceremony brought together distinguished personalities, including the President of the National Order of Pharmacists of Cameroon, representatives of CAMPha-USA as the official donors, Vice-Deans of the FMPS, and other key academic and administrative officials of the Faculty. The event was held under the chairmanship of the Rector of the University of Dschang, represented by his Personal Secretary, Prof. Alexandre Djimeli.
During the opening ceremony, the Head of Department,Prof Njateng guy Sedar Senghor described the donation as a major milestone in the development of pharmaceutical education and the strengthening of partnership ties. He emphasized the importance of such support in improving pharmacy training and expressed satisfaction that the University of Dschang had been selected as a beneficiary. According to him, the gesture serves as a source of motivation and renewed hope for the entire university community.
In his address, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Choukem Siméon Pierre, praised the initiative and highlighted its role as a concrete response to the challenge of brain drain. He stressed that such actions promote brain circulation, thereby contributing to sustainable national development. The Dean noted that the donation will benefit present and future generations by reinforcing capacity building, research, and training in line with international standards.
Prof. Choukem expressed profound gratitude to CAMPha-USA and reaffirmed the University of Dschang’s commitment to training health professionals who are both intellectually and emotionally competent. He assured the donors of the proper and effective use of the donated materials and appealed for continued collaboration, encouraging partners and sister institutions to support similar initiatives aimed at advancing pharmaceutical education.
In his remarks, the President of the National Order of Pharmacists of Cameroon, Dr. Kanmogne Jean-Claude, commended CAMPha-USA for the gesture. He recalled that since its creation, the Order has consistently supported research through donations describing the donation as a blessing to the pharmacy profession. He emphasized that the appropriate use of the donated materials would be highly appreciated.
Representing CAMPha-USA, Dr. Dr Siagat Renadin, President of the Association, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting pharmaceutical education and capacity building in Cameroon. He stressed that access to research materials remains critical and that the donated equipment is intended to strengthen practical training, research output, and academic excellence within the Faculty. He presented the items and called on the students to dare and take action cause it was their willing spirit and videos that prompted the donation.
A highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the handover minutes and the Golden Book by the donor and recipient institutions, represented by the Dean and the Rector. This was followed by a guided tour of the Pharmacy Laboratory, during which participants observed how the donated materials will be integrated into teaching and research activities.
The ceremony also featured a word of thanks from the pharmacy students, delivered by Ms. Bayekem Joyce, President of the Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (CEPharm), who expressed heartfelt gratitude to CAMPha-USA for its invaluable contribution to improving their learning environment.
In his closing remarks, the Rector, through his representative, emphasized the importance of professional solidarity and urged students and faculty members to preserve and strengthen the existing collaboration. He highlighted the academic excellence and potential of the University of Dschang and called on CAMPha-USA to continue its support, noting that the initiative aligns perfectly with the national policy of the Ministry of Higher Education. He also encouraged alumni to remain actively involved in supporting their alma mater.
The event concluded in an atmosphere of collaboration and optimism, reinforcing the shared vision of CAMPha-USA and the University of Dschang to promote excellence, innovation, and sustainable development in pharmaceutical sciences through collective action. Students were encouraged to be proactive and ambitious, as meaningful and lasting investment in education can only be achieved through commitment and initiative.
