Our History

The idea leading to the founding of ZERS UB – Alumni was very simple and humble. Ivo (pioneer president) visited Joshua in Alberta (Canada) in May of 2019 and in the course of chatting, the duo decided to make a video conference to say hello to their fellow alumni (also referred to as ZERSans) in Canada. The video conference finally extended to ZERSans in Kenya (Chrys T. and David T.); Germany (Cletus T.) and Quebec – Canada (Theo F.).

It was such a fun-filled feeling to see and speak to each other in real time and Ivo suggested the creation of a WhatsApp group to start up an Alumni Association. The first meeting was held (via Zoom Video Conferencing) on June 8, 2019. That meeting focused on developing draft objectives and formulating ideas for sustainably running the group. The objectives centered mostly on supporting each other through information sharing (e.g. career) as well as providing material (including information) or basic financial support to ZERSans at the University of Buea.

As the group progressed, the need for a guidance/regulatory document became conspicuous/imperative. The first draft Bylaws were presented by Cletus T. during the meeting of May 2020.

Mobilization for membership continued and during the January 2020 meeting, Linda introduced Christian B., who announced they were equally at the preliminary stages of creating a ZERS Alumni Association, mostly for the 2008 to 2011 batch of students. At the February 2021 meeting, Christian came along with Shaphan C., another member of the 2008 to 2011 batch. The March 2021 meeting saw a significant increase in attendance by the 2008 to 2011 batch (Jasmine, Brono, Bedie and Lucy). This marked the beginning of real business in ZERS. Christian, Shaphan and Joshua were named as members of the Bylaws Review Committee and they did an excellent job in finalizing the Bylaws.

ZERS UB – Alumni is currently making the necessary preparations to register the Association in Cameroon as per Cameroon’s Law on Freedom of Association (Government of the Republic of Cameroon’s Law No. 90/053 of December 19, 1990). The participant list has twenty-four (24) names as of this day (January 2, 2022) and it is our fervent hope that the membership will continue to grow.