BUEA, June 10, 2026 – Eleven final-year students of the St. John Paul II Institute of Theology (JOPASIT), Buea, successfully defended their theses during an intensive defense session held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
The exercise, which ran from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., brought together students, supervisors, jury members, administrators, and media personnel in a celebration of academic excellence and theological formation.
Each candidate was allotted approximately 45 minutes to present and defend their research. The defense followed a structured format beginning with a presentation of the research background, objectives, problem statement, key findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Candidates then engaged with examiners and jury presidents who assessed the scientific rigor, methodology, and theological depth of their work before offering guidance for post-defense revisions.
Students in the hall during defense
A distinctive feature of the theses was their integration of faith and scholarship. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, Church documents, papal encyclicals, and the writings of renowned theologians, the research reflected the Institute’s commitment to holistic formation. Many of the studies focused on pastoral realities within local parishes and Christian communities, demonstrating the practical application of theology to everyday Church life. The central theme running through the various works was “Joining Us to Christ,” a reflection of JOPASIT’s mission to form faithful disciples equipped for evangelization and service.
Speaking after the exercise, Rev. Fr. James Ajombu noted that all eleven candidates successfully completed their defenses. He praised the students for their dedication and highlighted the quality of their research, particularly their ability to combine existing literature with personal theological reflection and pastoral experience. While commending their efforts, the jury also encouraged the candidates to incorporate the corrections and recommendations provided in order to further strengthen the theological and scientific quality of their work.
Defense candidate during defense
The successful candidates will be awarded a Diploma in Theology, having completed the Institute’s two-year study programme and the required dissertation defense. JOPASIT also offers a one-year programme leading to an Attestation of Studies, as well as specialized certification courses for catechists and other pastoral agents.
The Institute expressed gratitude to the many benefactors whose generosity made the students’ formation possible. Through scholarships sourced by the Institute’s administration, all eleven candidates received financial assistance towards their studies, with some benefiting from full scholarships and others from partial support. Transportation assistance was also provided to students travelling from distant communities.
Defense Panel
The defense session concluded with a brief celebration involving students, staff, and well-wishers.
The successful completion of the theses marks another important milestone in JOPASIT’s mission of forming competent pastoral agents, catechists, and lay leaders who are grounded in sound theology and committed to the evangelizing mission of the Church.
