SOBA America returned to St. Joseph’s College Sasse for its annual SOBA America Day, a vibrant celebration of alumni commitment to academic excellence, teacher empowerment, and the holistic development of future leaders. The event brought together alumni from various chapters, school administration, teachers, students, and the wider community, reaffirming a shared vision of sustained excellence and service.
A major highlight of the day was the honouring of Michael-Tony Fonkeng Asemot, who made national history as the first Arts student in Cameroon to obtain a perfect score of 25 points at the GCE Advanced Level, earning straight distinctions in History, Economics, Geography, Philosophy, and ICT.
In recognition of this exceptional achievement, SOBA America presented him with a cash prize of FCFA 1 million, celebrating not only his personal brilliance but also the culture of discipline and hard work that defines the Sasse tradition. Michael-Tony is currently pursuing his studies at the University of Buea.
The celebration extended beyond awards, as students were treated to a special breakfast, including drinks, eggs, sardines, and other refreshments, while teachers, Sobans, invited guests, and community leaders shared a special meal following the scholarship and awards ceremony, reinforcing the spirit of unity and appreciation that defines SOBA America Day.
SOBA America’s enduring commitment to staff welfare was strongly underscored during the event. The canteen project, a major initiative valued at over FCFA 10 million, is an ongoing project earlier promised by the current President of SOBA America, Njukang Asong, and is expected to be completed within the next few months. The project is aimed at improving the daily welfare of teachers and staff who play a central role in shaping young minds.
In addition, SOBA Houston, a chapter of SOBA America, made a remarkable contribution this year by sponsoring end-of-year bonuses of FCFA 100,000 each for all staff members, at a total cost of nearly FCFA 8 million. This gesture was widely applauded as a strong demonstration of appreciation for educators’ dedication and sacrifice.
Speaking on behalf of SOBA America, the Organising Secretary, Soban Etchu Ebott, highlighted a new forward-looking initiative aimed at rewarding academic excellence among educators. Under this new Educators’ Awards scheme, any teacher who produces the highest number of A grades at the Ordinary Level and/or Advanced Level will have their salary matched for an entire year. The awards will recognise Best Science and Best Arts Teachers at both OL and AL, reinforcing a results-driven culture that celebrates teaching excellence.
Delivering a message on behalf of the National Executive Council of SOBA America, President Emeritus Frederick Itoe challenged students to continue improving the quality of their academic results. He noted that, while the school has become accustomed to 100 percent success rates, the new target is perfect A grades across the board. He further announced the establishment of the Office of Alumni Affairs, an important institutional development that will support chapters in executing projects at Sasse and provide services to students, including mentorship, study-abroad opportunities, scholarships, and admissions assistance.
John Kameni, President of the SOBA Buea Mother Chapter, praised the consistency and impact of alumni engagement, urging sustained collaboration to strengthen academic programs and mentorship initiatives. He commended the planning and coordination that made the 2025 celebration purposeful and impactful.
The day also featured a career orientation session, offering students practical guidance on higher education pathways and professional opportunities. A standout moment was the Senior Prefect’s address, delivered with confidence and teamwork, as fellow students supported the presentation in a visually impressive demonstration of leadership, discipline, and coordination.
In his remarks, Father Njanto Jude, Principal of St. Joseph’s College Sasse, applauded the achievements of both students and alumni, reaffirming the school’s mission to “produce more minds capable of making meaningful contributions to society.” He emphasized the critical role alumni support plays in sustaining academic standards and institutional growth.
Representing the Proprietor of St. Joseph’s College Sasse, Bishop Michael Bibi, who was unavoidably absent, his representative expressed deep gratitude to SOBA America for sustaining this laudable annual tradition. He thanked all Sobans, classes, chapters, and well-wishers whose contributions continue to make Sasse great, noting that SOBA America Day has played a significant role in drastically improving academic results and teachers’ output over the years.
Adding colour and tradition to the celebration was a lively Sahish final, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of St. Joseph’s College Sasse and provided an engaging close to the day’s activities.
Overall, SOBA America Day 2025 stood as a powerful testament to alumni dedication. With annual scholarships and award programs averaging FCFA 15 million, and rising to approximately FCFA 23 million this year due to the added teachers’ bonuses, the association continues to demonstrate that giving back is tangible, strategic, and transformative. The celebration reinforced the enduring bond between past and present Sobans and a shared responsibility to uplift the future of St. Joseph’s College Sasse.