In a candid and reflective public statement, Prof. Victor Mbarika, Founder and President of ICT University and the ICT University Foundation, has issued a formal apology following comments he made during a recent television interview.
The prominent ICT scholar and education entrepreneur acknowledged that his tone and language during the broadcast fell short of the dignity and restraint expected of him as an academic leader and role model to thousands of students across Cameroon and abroad.
According to Prof. Mbarika, the interview took place under deeply emotional circumstances, just hours after he had buried his grandmother, the last surviving grandparent who played a central role in shaping his Christian upbringing and values. He admitted that his remarks reflected personal strain rather than the spirit of respect and collaboration he holds dear.
In his words, the manner in which he spoke would not have made his grandmother proud. Taking full responsibility, he emphasized that leadership is measured not by emotion but by composure and integrity.
A significant portion of his apology was directed toward the University of Buea, an institution he described as highly valued and deserving of admiration. While clarifying that he did not have the required academic points to enroll at the time of his studies, he instead pursued higher education in the United States with his parents’ financial support. He underscored his longstanding respect and contributions to the university.
Over the years, Prof. Victor Mbarika has supported the development of several computer science programs at the University of Buea and played a role in launching its PhD program in journalism and mass communication. Through his mentorship and involvement in international academic networks, he also facilitated Fulbright scholarship opportunities for faculty members and doctoral students who pursued advanced studies under his supervision in the United States. For these reasons, he stressed that nothing in his recent comments should be interpreted as diminishing the institution’s standing or importance.
He extended a personal apology to the Vice Chancellor, Horace Ngomo Manga, expressing regret for any words that may have appeared disrespectful. He similarly apologized to Cameroon’s Minister of Higher Education, Jacques Fame Ndongo, describing their relationship as one marked by mentorship and paternal encouragement. Prof. Mbarika noted that the minister had often referred to him as a son, and he expressed sorrow at feeling he had not represented that trust appropriately during the interview.
The apology also turned inward toward his own academic community. Prof. Mbarika acknowledged the difficult position in which the incident may have placed the leadership and administration of ICT University, including the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Tonye, members of the executive team, deans, department heads, and students. He expressed particular regret toward students, stating that the attitude displayed in the interview does not align with the leadership and entrepreneurship principles taught at the institution. At ICT University, leadership development and innovation training are mandatory components of every student’s academic journey, regardless of their discipline.
Despite the controversy, Prof. Victor Mbarika affirmed that the broader mission of ICT University remains unchanged. He pointed to the institution’s global engagements, including a large-scale digital literacy initiative in India developed in collaboration with government and private partners. During that period, he worked closely with Narendra Modi, then serving as a state governor, on expanding access to digital skills training. The program trained more than 100,000 students annually and became one of the country’s most robust digital literacy efforts.
Closer to home, he referenced ongoing initiatives aligned with the national development vision of President Paul Biya. Among them is an e-agriculture program aimed at empowering thousands of Cameroonian youths through entrepreneurship and technology-driven farming solutions. Plans to establish a leading telemedicine teaching hospital in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions, integrating ICT, artificial intelligence, and robotics into medical practice, also remain firmly on course.
In concluding his statement, Prof. Victor Mbarika reflected on his long history of media appearances on international platforms, asserting that this episode marked the first time he had appeared out of character. He apologized to supporters, partners, and followers on social media who may have been disappointed, reiterating that the individual seen in the interview did not reflect his enduring values.
His closing message blended accountability with faith and optimism: a renewed commitment to serve with humility, uphold the integrity of academic leadership, and continue advancing education and innovation in Cameroon, across Africa, and beyond.
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