Banin Nso Buea Organize Career Orientation Seminar for Students to Promote Informed Career Choices in Buea, Southwest, Cameroon
On August 1, 2026, Students from the Nso community in Buea participated in the maiden Buea Nso All Students Academic and Career Orientation Seminar, an initiative designed by Banin Nso Buea to help young people make informed educational, academic and career decisions in an increasingly competitive and skills-driven economy. Bamin Nso Buea is the umbrella Orgnanization of Nso people living in Buea, the Southwest region of Cameroon. They are comprised of ShuiNso (Fathers), Bongiysi (Mothers), Wahbin (Youths) and VeraNso (Tole Branch).
Coordinated by Mr Walters Yuyun, the career orientation was held at Ngainso Buea under the theme “Bi’Kibveeshi,” (Because of our future), the seminar brought together students from Form secondary school and universities, alongside professionals and facilitators who provided guidance on career development, university programmes, talent identification and practical skills acquisition.
The initiative was organized in response to concerns that some students make academic and career choices without adequate information about university programmes, admission requirements, employment opportunities and emerging professions.
The orientation emphasized that academic qualifications alone may not be sufficient to succeed in today’s rapidly changing labour market. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Shufaay Buea, Wiybaa Buea challenged students to look beyond obtaining certificates and asked a fundamental question: “What can you do with what you know?” She encouraged participants to combine academic qualifications with practical skills, adaptability, good character and entrepreneurial thinking.
According to her message, the future of work increasingly depends on the combination of skills, character and adaptability. Students were therefore encouraged to discover their talents early, acquire complementary skills and consider entrepreneurship as part of their career development. She also reminded the students to remain connected to their Nso identity and values while acquiring knowledge and experience from other communities and cultures.
One of the major sessions focused on strengths, talents and interests, facilitated by Taanteh Molyko, Mr. Ndzetar Emmanuel. Under the theme “Know Your Talent, Build Your Future,” students were introduced to the S.I.N formula for identifying their talents:
- S – Strengths: What am I good at?
- I – Interests: What do I love to do?
- N – Need: What problems do I care about solving?
The facilitator explained that talent becomes a valuable skill through training and practice, and that employers increasingly seek people who can demonstrate what they are capable of doing. Students were also introduced to four approaches to developing talent: learning, practice, feedback and connection.
The session linked different abilities to potential career paths. For example, students interested in helping people could explore careers in law, counselling, social work or pastoral work, while those interested in drawing and design could consider architecture, fashion, graphic design and related professions.
Participants were cautioned against copying friends when choosing careers, waiting until university before discovering their talents, or limiting the concept of talent to areas such as music and football. A practical exercise followed the presentation, allowing students to identify their strengths and interests and relate them to their academic studies and personal development.
Another major component of the seminar was a detailed presentation on Science and Health Sciences programmes, delivered by Dr. Marcel Moyeh Nyuylam (PhD). The presentation provided students with information about university programmes, admission requirements, departments, qualifications, career opportunities and potential employers.
The facilitator also explained the different admission considerations and subject requirements applicable to various programmes, helping students understand the importance of making subject choices strategically at the secondary school level. The Health Sciences session covered areas including Biomedical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Public Health and Hygiene, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery and Specialties.
Students were informed about the competitive nature of admission into health-related programmes, including written examinations, oral interviews and consideration of academic performance. The presentation also clarified that some areas, such as Surgery and Specialties, are pursued after completing relevant undergraduate medical training rather than as direct undergraduate programmes.
The seminar further highlighted opportunities available at the National Higher Polytechnic Institute, School of Engineering at the University of Buea. Students were introduced to specialized programmes including:
- B.Eng. in Biotechnology and Food Process Engineering;
- B.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Equipment Maintenance;
- B.Eng. in Meteorology Engineering;
- B.Eng. in Mining and Mineral Engineering; and
- B.Eng. in Petroleum Engineering.
The information was particularly relevant for students who may have assumed that their preferred career programmes were unavailable within the local university environment. The discussion also highlighted the growing demand for digital skills and technically competent professionals as Cameroon and the wider world undergo increasing digital transformation.
The final major presentation focused on skills acquisition, facilitated by Mme Moyeh Vivian Veranso, Vice President of Bongsiysi Buea. She challenged students to rethink how they use their long academic holidays and encouraged them to acquire practical skills that complement their formal education.
The presentation emphasized the shift from the traditional question of “What did you study?” to the increasingly important question of “What can you do?” Students were encouraged to consider practical areas such as:
- Motor mechanics;
- Hairdressing and barbering;
- Sewing and fashion;
- Cooking and baking;
- Carpentry;
- Hardware maintenance;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Soap and detergent production; and
- Other marketable vocational and technical skills.
The facilitator noted that practical skills can complement academic qualifications and provide young people with alternative sources of income while improving their employability. Science students were particularly encouraged to transform knowledge gained during practical lessons into real-world skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, including the production of items such as yoghurt, detergents, washing soaps and bleach, while observing appropriate safety and regulatory requirements.
Beyond academic and career guidance, the seminar created an opportunity for students to interact with professionals and other young people from the Nso community. Mr. Walters Yuyun emphasized the importance of networking, mentorship and peer learning as students prepare for higher education and professional life. The seminar also recognized the role of parents in supporting informed educational choices and encouraged greater parental participation in future editions.
A post-seminar evaluation was conducted to gather participants’ views and recommendations for improving subsequent editions.
Among the recommendations were the creation of a dedicated forum to reunite Nso students and facilitate continued networking, mentorship and learning.
Participants also proposed sessions on mindset, resilience, leadership and discipline, as well as greater inclusion of speakers and participants from other communities and backgrounds.
Other recommendations included practical skills-development sessions covering areas such as soap production, pastries and other entrepreneurial activities, alongside the participation of more professionals from diverse career fields and greater involvement of parents.
The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Marcel Moyeh Nyuylam (PhD), who commended the students for their active participation and thoughtful questions. He encouraged them to remain committed to their studies while exploring opportunities beyond conventional academic pathways. He also expressed appreciation to parents for recognizing the importance of career orientation and supporting their children’s participation.
The maiden Buea Nso Students Academic and Career Orientation Seminar represents an important community-based effort to address the information gap facing young people as they transition from secondary school to university and professional life.
By combining career guidance, university information, talent discovery, skills acquisition and networking, the initiative seeks to help Nso students make better-informed choices and develop the competencies required to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
For the students, the central message was clear: academic success should be accompanied by practical skills, adaptability, character, innovation and a commitment to using knowledge to serve society.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
