When Edward
Edocat Tafah was appointed pioneer vice chancellor (VC) of the University of
Bamenda (UBa), many thought he was the right person to impartially pilot the
affairs of the much-awaited citadel of learning. Far from it. No sooner did he
come than he began fuelling the flames of ethnicity.
The
presidential decree that created UBa in 2010 was clear on the fact that the
seat of the university would be in Bambili, Tubah sub-division. However, being
an avid promoter of tribalism, Edward Edocat wants the chancellery of the
university as well as the chancellor’s residence to be constructed in
Bamendankwe.
Besides, the
elite of Bambili accuse the VC of openly and persistently manifesting hatred
for the Tubah people and even their fons ever since he was appointed. They cite
as example his rejection of the fons’ proposal to give him an official
reception in honour of his appointment. Although the VC told the Tubah fons
that he had a very congested program, he was on hand to be received some days
later by fons of his Momo division origin who gave him a traditional title.
Edward Edocat
Tafah is also blamed for recruiting mostly people from his Oshie village in
Momo division as support staff of UBa.
All of which
actuated placards-carrying Bambili villagers to rise up like one man and block
the entrance into the UBa campus on Monday, January 21, 2013 for more than
three hours, forcing the VC to trek for several kilometres to get to his office.
On their placards could be read messeges such as “Edocat must go!”, “Edocat is
acting against Biya’s directives”, “Edocat is promoting tribalism in Bambili!”,
etc.
This is quite unfortunate for an intellectual of
Edocat’s standing who should rather build love peace and unity around the
university. The VC’s tribalism instincts undoubtedly reveal him as a perfect
example of what a vice chancellor should not be. For this reason, we score him
very low, in the joyful hope that he will change his attitude in the days
ahead. 1/10.
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