Kelden University Launches Historic UK Pathway as First NCUK Students Matriculate

Kelden University Institute has written a new chapter in Cameroon’s higher education history with the matriculation of its first batch of students under the NCUK transnational education pathway, an event graced by the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E. Matt Woods, senior officials of the British Council, NCUK leadership, parents, and education stakeholders.

The ceremony marked the official inauguration of Kelden’s International Pathways Centre, positioning the institution as a bridge between Cameroon and world-class universities in the United Kingdom and beyond. For the students, it was more than a ritual; it was a formal entry into global academia.

Welcoming guests, the Director of Kelden University Institute described the occasion as a historic transition “from national to global,” tracing the institution’s evolution from a modest training centre for local governance in 2015 to a higher education institution now delivering international qualifications. With the NCUK partnership, students can begin their studies in Cameroon and progress to partner universities in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

“This is the NCUK dream and the Kelden dream,” the Director said, urging parents and students to see themselves as pioneers. “You are no longer just Cameroonian students; you are UK students.”

Mr Ewang Atabe, H.E Matt Wood, Mr Leila and Mrs Liesl May

British Council Cameroon Country Director, Mrs Ndifor Caroline, underscored the credibility of the programme, noting that Kelden is among a select number of NCUK centres in Cameroon. She described the matriculation as the first of its kind for transnational education students in the country, assuring parents and the public that the programme meets UK education standards.

Delivering the keynote address, British High Commissioner Matt Woods praised the students as “trailblazers” proving that high-quality transnational education between Cameroon and the UK is not only possible but already a reality. He left the students with simple but powerful advice distilled from global leaders: “Be kind, be brave, and be curious.”

The CEO of AECO, Mr Ewang Atabe, framed the initiative as a shift from aid to partnership, stressing that education is the foundation of sustainable development. He highlighted transnational education as a strategic tool for building globally competitive human capital while retaining students in Cameroon during the early stages of their studies.

The British High Commissioner H.E Matt Wood and the Director of Kelden Institute Mr Leila

NCUK Regional Director for Middle East and Africa, Mrs Liesl May, emphasized the character-building value of international education. She noted that the pathway programmes cater both to students with clear academic goals and those still discovering their direction, providing the tools needed to access top universities worldwide.

The student delegate, speaking on behalf of the matriculating cohort, delivered a moving reflection on growth, leadership, and responsibility. She pledged to serve as a bridge between students and management and described the cohort as ambassadors of excellence and global citizenship.

With programmes already running from International Foundation Year to Pre-Masters—and students progressing to the UK, Kelden University’s NCUK partnership signals a bold step forward. As Cameroon embraces this new education model, the message from the ceremony was clear: global opportunities can begin at home.