Bernard Fonlon

By Bate Besong
Paper Read During The Commemoration Of The 19th Anniversary Of The Passing Away Of Professor Bernard Nsokika Fonlon - Djeuga Palace Hotel, Yaounde,24th November 2005.

WILLIAM FULBRIGHT has argued that literary agitation, like practical political instigation, which edges on dissent or rebellion is “an act of faith”. Accordingly, and, as I have already shown elsewhere, although Professor Bernard Nsokika Fonlon (a man who was so exceptionally handsome), was, an intellectual pillar of fire; a Prometheus among his peers; indeed, something of a twentieth century Aristotle, the Greek philosopher and classical biologist, his neo-classical treatise on literary composition have, neither, received accolades nor endorsement from me.

By Martin Jumbam

Revised and reproduced from Le Mont Cameroun, No. 0036 of August 19, 1989 – September 5, 1989, p.3.

Much has already been said and written about the late Venerable Professor Emeritus of the University of Yaounde, Dr Bernard Nsokika Fonlon, of blessed memory. Much more remains to be unveiled about this man who was, even to his closest colleagues, something of an enigma.

Fonlon’s contribution to the academic world, in general, and to the University of Yaounde, in particular, has been, and is still being widely analysed, dissected, commented upon, vilified and applauded by friends and foes alike.