Saint Joseph Calasanz College (SAJOCCCOL) Menteh-Nkwen has taken a decisive step to strengthen campus security, with the Archbishop of Bamenda, Andrew Nkea Fuanya, presiding over the laying of the foundation stone for a new perimeter fence on Wednesday 18 March 2026.
The initiative comes as part of broader efforts by the institution to safeguard students and staff and maintain continuity in education amid ongoing challenges in the North West Region.
The Archbishop was received on arrival by the school administration led by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Ghani Justine, before a brief ceremony with students and staff. In his welcome remarks, the Principal described the project as both practical and symbolic.
“We pray that this fence will not only provide security for our students and staff, but also serve as a symbol of our commitment to creating a safe and conducive learning environment,” he said.
Addressing the school community, Archbishop Nkea acknowledged the difficult context in which schools continue to operate, while stressing the need to press forward.
“We know the difficulties that we are going through in the North West and South West Regions, but we continue to move ahead, because time waits for no one,” he said.
He commended the Piarist Fathers for prioritising the safety of learners, noting that significant investment had been directed towards securing the campus rather than expanding infrastructure. The move, he indicated, reflects a deliberate effort to create an environment where students can learn without fear.
The Archbishop also used the occasion to reaffirm the academic expectations placed on students.
“Your full-time job is to study,” he stated, expressing confidence in the quality of teaching staff and the potential for strong academic outcomes at the college.
Following the ceremony, prayers were offered at the project site before the Archbishop formally laid the foundation stone, marking the start of construction works.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Archbishop Andrew Nkea highlighted the spiritual dimension of the foundation stone laying.
“Christ is the cornerstone of every building,” he said, explaining that the act places both the physical structures and the school community under divine guidance and protection.
He further pointed to the distinct identity of the institution, rooted in the spirituality of Saint Joseph Calasanz and the educational mission of the Piarist Fathers, while maintaining the shared standards of Catholic education.
In a direct message to students, he urged focus and discipline.
“Do not waste your opportunities… focus on your studies,” he said, before concluding with a call for unity and mutual respect: “Love one another.”
The event brought together key Church and education officials, including Rev. Fr. Moses Kongmi, Provincial Superior of the Piarist Fathers for Central Africa, alongside Aurelien Lehoun Mbea and Charles Ngoubi, who accompanied the Archbishop.
For SAJOCCCOL, the fence project represents a targeted response to present realities, reinforcing safety, restoring confidence among parents, and securing an environment where teaching and learning can continue with stability and purpose.