Cameroon: Kumba Diocese’s new Catholic university - bringing higher education closer to home

Chibi Natacha Dato, SLC - Vatican City

The authorisation was announced by Bishop Agapitus Enuyehnyoh Nfon of the Diocese of Kumba. The university is scheduled to be launched in time for the academic year 2026/2027, with admissions opening in June 2026. The official opening for learning is planned for October 2026, coinciding with the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.

Church as mother and teacher

Initially, the university will offer Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in fields such as Agricultural and Food Sciences, Management, Business and Finance, Computer Engineering, Medical and Biomedical Sciences, Home Economics and Social Work, as well as Tourism and Hotel Management.

According to Bishop Nfon, the new institution responds to longstanding calls from Catholic parents and educators who have sought a “local, faith-based option for higher learning.”

Upon receiving approval, the Bishop emphasised that the Church, “as mother and teacher, is under the obligation to provide her children with an education that fosters the formation of the human person, aimed at their final end or goal, and serves the good of society.”

He assured that, in line with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council on Catholic education, the Sapientia Higher Institute of the Diocese of Kumba, will be an academic establishment dedicated to promoting knowledge, research, and the comprehensive development of young people.

SAHIK University – initial programmes

Reflecting on the pastoral needs that inspired the diocesan university initiative, Bishop Nfon noted that while the Diocese already operates nursery, primary, and secondary schools, it “had not yet provided the opportunity for our children and young people to pursue higher education or university studies.” Consequently, he added, “most of our children had to leave Kumba Diocese to further their studies,” which was often costly for many parents and guardians. He affirmed, “Now, the University has come right to our doorsteps.”

SAHIK - Citadel of Wisdom

Regarding the institute’s name, Bishop Nfon explained that, “Sapientia, in Latin, means Wisdom. Since wisdom is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it is our prayerful wish that all who enroli in SAHIK will be endowed with the wisdom necessary to acquire knowledge in their chosen fields and to serve society as professionals, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Seat of Wisdom,” he underlined.

The Bishop also highlighted the university’s inclusive mission: “This Citadel of Wisdom is not only for Catholics; it will open its doors to all young people eager to acquire knowledge in a disciplined environment and to fulfill their dreams in life, regardless of their religious denominations.”