BILINGUALISM AND MULTICULTURALISM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NGAOUNDÉRÉ

THE CNPBM’S SATISFACTION

During her visit on 26 September 2023 to The University of Ngaoundéré, the head of delegation of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (CNPBM), AMA TUTU MUNA, expressed her satisfaction with the bilingualism practised within the Institution. At this University, speeches at events are delivered in the official languages, administrative documents are drafted in French and English, signage complies with effective bilingualism, and the Translation Unit fully plays its role in promoting bilingualism. In addition to all these strengths, The University of Ngaoundéré has a multilingual laboratory, and bilingual training exists in almost all Departments.

The University of Ngaoundéré has, moreover, established a bilingualism day, namely Wednesday. In addition, an ad hoc committee has been set up whose mission is to ensure the effectiveness of bilingualism. It is led by the Secretary General of The University of Ngaoundéré, Prof. VOUDWE BAKREO, who also represented the Rector during the delegation’s visit. However, AMA TUTU MUNA suggested that the Secretary General advocate for the upgrading of the Translation Unit into a Translation Division, in order to properly carry out the promotion of bilingualism within The University of Ngaoundéré.

The head of delegation also recommended that institutional authorities promote multiculturalism and combat hate speech and xenophobia. According to the Director of the Centre for University Welfare Services, The University of Ngaoundéré has a mix of students living in harmony: « Living together is a reality in our Institution. We have around 40% foreign students, notably Chadians, Central Africans, Gabonese and Congolese. They are all involved in the University’s Clubs, » said Prof. IYA MOUSSA with satisfaction.