For several years, Cameroon Protestant College, CPC Bali has operated without a major assembly hall after the roof of its former auditorium was blown off, leaving the historic institution without one of its most essential facilities.
On Saturday 14 March 2026, that long standing challenge began to find a solution as members of the Bali Old Boys Association, BOBA gathered on campus to launch the construction of the BOBA Multipurpose Complex, a project designed to restore and upgrade the lost infrastructure.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, who laid the foundation stone and described the initiative as a powerful example of alumni responsibility and faith in action.
Preaching from Matthew 7:24 to 27, he reminded the gathering that both institutions and individuals must be built on strong foundations.
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“A wise builder lays a solid foundation. For us as Christians that foundation must be Christ,” he said, adding that the project represented not only physical construction but also a renewed commitment to strengthening mission education.
The project itself was conceived during celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Bali Old Boys Association and the 75th anniversary of the school.
According to Project Chairperson Dr Akob Christopher, the decision to construct a new complex came after the destruction of the former hall.
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“There was a hall we used when we were students, but during the lockdown the roof was blown off and the building was destroyed. After consultations with the administration, we agreed that a new and better multipurpose complex would be the best gift BOBA could offer the school,” he said.
Excavation work has already been completed and the site is ready for construction to begin immediately following the laying of the foundation stone.
Dr Akob Christopher said the complex is designed to go beyond a traditional hall to include additional facilities that will transform the school environment.
“This is not only going to be a hall. The complex will also include indoor sports facilities and a swimming pool. In fact it is going to be one of its kind in this country,” he said.
The project is expected to cost close to 200 million francs and will be implemented in phases beginning with foundation work and the main structure before finishing stages.
Although the initial timeline for completion is three years, Dr Akob Christopher noted that the contractor believes the project could be completed within one year if adequate funding becomes available.
“We are already seeing enthusiasm and contributions coming in, and we believe more support will come following today’s ceremony so the work can continue,” he said, calling on alumni and partners to support the vision.
For the Principal of CPC Bali, Nubed Ransome, the project comes at a crucial moment for the school which has been operating without a proper auditorium.
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“We have continued to record strong academic results but the absence of a hall has remained a major challenge,” he said, noting that the school recently recorded a 100 percent pass rate at the Advanced Level and over 96 percent at the Ordinary Level.
He praised the alumni for stepping forward to address a pressing infrastructure need.
The National President of BOBA, Prof Ernest Titanji Duga, said the project reflects the deep sense of gratitude alumni feel towards the institution that shaped their lives.
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“This project is our way of giving back. CPC Bali formed us and we believe it deserves facilities that reflect its legacy,” he said.
The BOBA Multipurpose Complex he noted will serve as a centre for worship, conferences, sports, cultural activities and academic gatherings. The President maintained that although the project has started with limited funds, faith and collective commitment are expected to drive its successful completion. He has call alumni worldwide, partners and supporters to contribute financially, materially and spiritually to the project.
The Education Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, Essaw Samgwa'a, emphasised that the initiative demonstrates how alumni engagement can strengthen educational institutions.
“Facilities like this are important because they support not only academic life but leadership, discipline and community life for students,” he said.
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The ceremony drew a wide cross section of guests including traditional authorities such as the Fon of Nsogwa, Fon Fo'ngwadezah III, whose presence highlighted the strong relationship between the school, the church and the surrounding community.
By Bakah Derick in Bali for Hilltopvoices Web
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