Iconic Communication, Journalism Trainer, Prof. Enoh Tanjong, Quits Stage At 67

Prof Enoh Tanjong is no more. He died on October 29, 2022, in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. Before his death, Prof. Enoh was serving as one of the members of the Cameroon National Communication Council, NCC.

Enoh Tanjong is one of the founding fathers of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication in the University of Buea. His death has left his family, collogues and former students in pains.

The President of the National Communication Council, reacted to Prof. Enoh’s death, saying: “It was a very big shock at the National Communication Council, to hear about the sudden death of Prof Enoh Tanjong. I say so because we met on Thursday, where we shared a meal together, and his birthday cake, and we were hoping he would spend one or two days before returning to Buea. Surprisingly I was called on the morning of the 29 to hear about his passing.

“I am talking about someone who has a very calm spirit and is very generous in sharing his opinion and knowledge. He is someone who has left his mark, not only in the University of Buea, but throughout the country, because his students are found nationwide. All the same, what we wish is for the family to be able to accept the will of God, and for God to be able to send them comfort from above,” said Joseph Chebonkeng Kalabubse.

Family life

In 1989, Prof Enoh Tanjong got married to Dr. Becky Tanjong, together they are blessed with 4 children, grandchildren.

Academic life

Enoh was born in the year 1955 in Fotabe village found in Manyu Division of the Southwest Region.

He enrolled into St. Joseph’s college, Sasse, where he obtained his GCE ordinary level certificate. He continued his education in CCAST Bambili, where he obtained his GCE Advance Level Certificate.

He later acquired a BSc in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 1979. Enoh returned home where he served for the Ministry of Communication before traveling to the United States to further his studies.

In 1996, he returned home, after acquiring his PhD from the University of Madison, Wisconsin and continued to serve in the Ministry of Communication until 1993, when he was given the honor to create the Journalism program at the University of Buea, together with Dr. George Ngwa.

Enoh was a father figure, an inspiration and a source of motivation to thousands of students who passed through UB’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, after establishing the Department in 1993. He has published several articles and books, including “Media Balance in Sub-Saharan Africa’s Fragile Democracy”.

Prof Enoh Tanjong was known for the expression “fight your war,” which, till date, remains a mantra for his former students learning and striving in the mass communication industry, with limited resources at their disposal.

The works of Prof Enoh Tanjong will transcend from one generation to another, to influence and guide future communication scholars and experts.

By Glein Neneng Megeneh