In a vibrant display of innovation and skill, Government Technical High School (GTHS) Bangem in Kupe-Manenguba Division played host to the regional launch of the 2026 Open Business Days for Secondary Schools, themed “Creativity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: From Craftsmanship to High Technology.”
The event which took place on March 12, 2026, was presided by the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, represented by the SDO of Kupe Muanenguba, Nguia Beina Theophile.
The ceremony brought together students and teachers from across the South-West Region to showcase practical talents and explore the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.
In his welcome address, the Divisional Delegate of Secondary Education, Kupe Muanenguba, Njikang Peter Mejame said the Open Business Days provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ingenuity and explore how artificial intelligence can support creativity and entrepreneurship.
He added that the initiative allows learners to transform their ideas from simple craftsmanship into advanced technological solutions that can benefit societies.
Delivering the keynote address, the Regional Delegate of Secondary Education for the South-West Region, Dr. Njie Martin Esongo, described the Open Business Days as a platform where traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation. He emphasized that the theme encourages students to harness the power of artificial intelligence to enhance their creative abilities.
He also encouraged students from both technical and general education institutions to take interest in technical and vocational skills, noting that today’s generation must combine academic knowledge with practical competence.
The South West Regional Delegate of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr. George Mafany Teke, emphasized that research has been made easy with the use of AI.
He said with smartphones, students can easily use advance technology to perfect their craftworks.
In his launching speech, SDO Nguia highlighted the importance of embracing innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence in an era where these tools increasingly influence everyday life and development.
He said the 2026 Open Business Days highlights the growing importance of technical education, creativity, and innovation among secondary school students.
The Governor’s representative encouraged young learners to combine craftsmanship with modern technology and artificial intelligence in order to develop practical solutions for the future.
A major highlight of the event was the exhibition of products, talents, and skills by students from the Marketing, Home Economics, Carpentary and Woodwork, Building and Construction, Mechanical Engineering, Clothing Industry, Accounting, and ICT and Computer Science departments of GTHS Bangem, GTHS Tombel, GBHS Bangem, GTC Nguti, GTC Muabi, GTC Nzeleted, GTC Ngombo-Ku, and GSS Muebah-Nninong.
Traditional dances, choral singing, sketches, fashion parade, and news reel by the students, spiced the event.
Also present at the event was the representative of the Minister of Secondary Education, Enongene Stella Ndobe, Regional Inspector Coordinator for Technical Industrial, Ekema Diana, Regional Inspector Coordinator for Technical Commercial, Fosokikang Yvonne, Regional Inspector Coordinator for Computer Science, Mbungang Ngaibe Benedict, and the representative of the Regional Inspector Coordinator for School Life.
By Kathleen Kinyuy
