Students and staff of Jua Memorial College (JMC) have made a solemn visit to the tomb of the late Honorable Bobe Augustin Ngom Jua, the college’s founder, to honour his legacy.
An unusual atmosphere filled the school compound on December 13 as participants gathered in large numbers for the event at the iconic Jua tomb. The visit guided under the theme, “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” aimed to unite the staff and students not just as a school but as custodians of a shared mission.
During the visit, Principal Banabas Mbang Timchia stated, “We stand here today because of the foresight and passion of Honourable Bobe Augustine Ngom Jua, the original vision bearer of our beloved institution. He dreamt of a place where knowledge would ignite potential; where character would be sculpted alongside intellect; and where every student would be equipped with the know-how to shine in every sense.”
He added, “Today, we pay homage to that vision by retracing the values he instilled in our great institution.” He described Jua as a firm disciplinarian who believed in teaching students to be self-sufficient, emphasising that true education transforms society for the better.
Mbang highlighted that the event also served as a tribute to former students who have carried the JMC spirit beyond the school’s gates. “Their efforts to perpetuate and even surpass the founder’s dream remind us that a school’s greatness lies in its living legacy. Through scholarships, mentorship, or innovations, they show that the JMC spirit doesn’t fade; it multiplies,” he said.
In this light, Mbang invited all former students and well-wishers who are not yet involved in this initiative to join the effort. “Together, as teachers guiding and students rising, we honour the past by building a future that would make Honorable Bobe Augustine Ngom Jua proud.”
Addressing the students, he reiterated, “You are the next chapter.” He urged them to ask reflective questions as they celebrated, such as: “How will I amplify this light? Will you be the ex-student future generations celebrate?” He concluded, “The founder’s vision thrives when you strive for excellence, serve your community, and dare to dream bigger than the footprints before you.”
The celebration set a hopeful and inspiring tone for the academic year. Participants were encouraged to walk in faith, discipline, and mutual respect, beginning the new journey with gratitude in their hearts.
Julius Peeters Tohmuntain gave a brief presentation on the life of Honourable Bobe Augustine Ngom. “Born in 1924, he attended Saint Anthony’s Catholic School in Njinikom, graduating in 1939 alongside the late Doctor Bernard Fonlon. He became a teacher at the same school and served as headmaster from 1951 to 1955.”
In 1955, Tohmuntain continued, Bobe Jua founded the KNDP with the late John Ngu Foncha and won the 1959 general elections. At 41, he became premier of West Cameroon from 1965 to 1968. He was married to Nathalia Natang Jua and fathered Doctor Ben Jua, Doctor Roselyne Jua, Honourable Paulinus Jua, Raphael Jua, and Petra Jua.
Tohmuntain also noted, “As Secretary of State for Social Welfare, he brought then-President Ahmadou Ahidjo to open the Saint Martin de Pores General Hospital in Njinikom in April 1963. He is also remembered for founding the Saint James Choir in Njinikom, which thrives to this day.”
“In 1976, he widened his vision by opening the Kom Comprehensive College, now known as Jua Memorial College. His goal was to reduce the suffering of Kom children pursuing secondary education, as there were no other schools besides Saint Bede’s College and Kom Baptist Technical College. He died just two years after leaving this great legacy that we are striving to perpetuate,” he stated.
By Nadege Dzilamonyuy Limnyuy