The practical phase of the 2015 session of the Higher National Diploma ended on Wednesday, June 24, 2015.

The practical part of the 2015 Higher National Diploma, HND, examination held nationwide from June 23-24, 2015. The examination went on in four centres: Bamenda, Buea, Douala and Yaounde. According to the official programme from the Ministry of Higher Education, the written phase runs from June 29 to July 4, 2015.

Dr. Veronica Nayongo Mulema, Director of HND Programme, Siantou University Complex Yaounde, disclosed that HND has grown fast over the years and that this year, almost 4,000 candidates are sitting. She expressed satisfaction at the fact that candidates came on time unlike in the past.

“Anglophones are grapping the programme. They now understand why their children should go professional,” she said. Meanwhile, at the Siantou University Complex on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 - the lone centre in the city - the examination started at 8:00 a.m. Silence was the watchword. Only invigilators from the Ministry of Higher Education who supervised the exercise were permitted to move around the campus.

At break time, students had time to take a bite and prepare for the second paper. One of the candidates, Mercy Ngwa, a marketing student, said the first subject was moderate and she was already preparing for the next one. The story was the same for her friend, Christiana Njong, who did Computer for Business. She said she was sure to make it if all what was taught will come in the examination. Atemkeng Derrick, a management student, said the morning subject was within reach, though questions were set on some courses they were not told to read. Consequently, he is sure to pass the examination, but not with high grades he expected.

“There is what is called surprise courses in HND, so we have to read everything,” explained another student. The Rector of Siantou University Complex, Prof. Jean Ongla, assured that the examination was going on without any hitches. An examiner, Anthony Kaven Wawoh, said there was much improvement this year as compared to previous years.

He explained that this year, the authorities of the school improved facilities to ensure the best results for students. For instance, the kitchen is of good standard and there are over 60 functioning computers as against 20 last year. All the workshops, such as telecommunications, electrical power systems, and civil engineering, among others, are well equipped, he pointed out.