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Cameroon Baptist Convention: University Institute, Children's Hospital Construction, Start This Year

Par Kimeng Hilton
18 Aug 2026 11:44
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Rev. Dr. Teke John Ekema, the CBC Executive President on Saturday August 15, 2026 met with Christians in Yaounde. On his second official visit.

The Executive President of the Cameroon Baptist Convention, CBC, Reverend Doctor Teke John Ekema on Saturday August 15, 2026, concluded a two-day pastoral visit to the Yaounde Field Council of CBC Churches. Delivering major policy updates on institutional projects, legal disputes, and internal peace initiatives. Speaking before a crowded church hall in Bethel Baptist Church, Etoudi, Yaounde, Dr. Ekema addressed a wide spectrum of administrative and spiritual matters. Highlighting financial milestones, structural developments, and measures to resolve ongoing legal and operational challenges facing the denomination across the national territory.

Second Official Visit

The visit, running from August 14-15, 2026 is Dr. Ekema’s second official tour of Yaounde Field since his election in November 2024 and subsequent induction in January 2025. Accompanied by the Vice Chair of the Convention, Mrs. Sofa Gladys, the Executive President was received by the clergy, Yaounde Field executive leaders, and congregation members.

Programme Schedule

The programme featured a sermon by Reverend Ngwani Joseph of Rehoboth Baptist Church, Nkolbisson, Yaounde. Alongside welcoming remarks from the Yaounde Field Pastor, Rev. Jumbuin Enoch, and the Yaounde Field Chairman, Brother Wango Daniel. During the gathering, five pastors formally took the oath of allegiance to the CBC, pledging loyalty and affirming that institutional property remains strictly under Convention ownership. Before receiving their official ministry licenses.

Peace, Peace…

Addressing the assembly during a 39-minute presentation, Dr. Ekema emphasized the 2026 thematic focus, "Living the Gospel of Peace." Framing it as a practical extension of the previous year's spiritual theme, "May Peace Be With You!" He called for internal unity and out-of-court resolutions regarding institutional conflicts, disclosing that an ad hoc peace committee has been established to mediate internal grievances.

30 Court Cases In Bamenda

Dr. Ekema revealed that the CBC is currently navigating more than 30 court cases in Bamenda alone - primarily concerning land disputes and actions brought against former leadership. In addition to a recent adverse court ruling in Yaounde that the Convention management has formally appealed. He stressed that litigation distracts from the church's central mission, urging Christians to pursue in-house reconciliation.

Sealing Of CBC Churches

The Executive President also clarified the administrative circumstances surrounding the recent sealing of several CBC places of worship within the Yaounde Field by territorial authorities. Dr. Ekema stated that he has officially written to the Minister of Territorial Administration to address the situation.

Identity Confusion

Explaining that the closures resulted from public identity confusion between the Cameroon Baptist Convention and the distinct entity Congregation Baptiste Camerounaise, both of which share the "CBC" acronym. He noted that the affected local churches had not violated statutory laws and expressed optimism that a meeting with the Minister would resolve the misunderstanding and lead to the unsealing of the properties.

Development Initiatives

On institutional growth, Dr. Ekema reported significant progress on major development initiatives launched under his mandate. Over 70 million FCFA was raised for the CBC Microfinance project as of July 31, 2026. The Baptist University Institute is set to begin operations this October for the 2026/2027 academic year. A Memorandum of Understanding for academic mentorship has been signed with the University of Bamenda, and key administrative officials have been appointed.

Children’s Hospital, CBC TV

Following the groundbreaking ceremony on January 17, 2026, construction of Children's Hospital, Mutengene is scheduled to start in October 2026 with a three-year execution timeline. Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrades at the CBC Headquarters (Baptist Centre) in Nkwen, Bamenda, have been finalized. Including the completion and widening of the internal ring road, alongside plans to demolish the existing structure to build a modern rest house. The CBC Television project has taken off with a YouTube channel to broaden global audience access. Which has been received with joy by CBC Christians across the world.

Responding To Questions

In an interactive question-and-answer session following his speech, the Executive President outlined key administrative policy adjustments. He announced an end to centralized collection of "designated offerings" from local churches. Noting that congregations already submit 27% of their monthly income to the national headquarters. He however explained that the rule could be waived if a Field receives express authorization to raise funds through offerings for a specific project.

Mandatory CBC Seminary Training

To preserve organizational consistency, he instructed that individuals called to ministry must complete preliminary theological studies at CBC seminaries before pursuing external education. Furthermore, Dr. Ekema committed the Central Administration to assisting local churches with land titling procedures. And promised to present congregational concerns regarding the rising costs of CBC-operated schools and hospitals to the Executive Council for evaluation.

Pacesetting Yaounde Field

Reiterating the strategic importance of the Yaounde Field Council of CBC Churches, Field Pastor Rev. Jumbuin Enoch noted that the visit provided essential direct communication between national leadership and local administrative units. Yaounde Field covers most of the Centre Region, the entire East Region, most of the South Region, and a part of the West Region.

Dr. Ekema described Yaounde Field as a "pacesetter" due to its performance in proportionate financial contributions and church planting. The Yaounde Field leadership confirmed that joint discussions will continue to address operational growth and territorial expansion throughout the sub-region.

Second Official Visit

Programme Schedule

Peace, Peace…

30 Court Cases In Bamenda